Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Protecting the Right to Vote: Why Philippine Courts Scrutinize Ballot Invalidations Based on Handwriting
The Supreme Court reminds election tribunals that ballots presumed valid cannot be invalidated as "written by one person" without checking assisted-voting records.
Understanding Privileged Communication in Philippine Libel Law: The Alcantara Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protects statements made during preliminary investigations from libel claims through the doctrine of privileged communication.
Unlock Loan Restructuring Benefits: Why Application Is Key Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7202 shows why filing an application is essential to claim loan restructuring and condonation benefits.
When Can the Ombudsman Reinvestigate and Refile Cases After Withdrawal?
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's power to reinvestigate and refile a withdrawn case, and the limits of judicial review.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage: Understanding the Limits of Irresponsibility as Grounds for A
The Supreme Court clarifies that joblessness, drug use, and irresponsibility do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Improvident Plea of Guilt in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Safeguards
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea in capital cases is improvident and how convictions can still stand on independent evidence.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal: The Rural Bank of Cantilan Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job transfer becomes constructive dismissal, using the Rural Bank of Cantilan v. Julve ruling.
Challenging Election Results: Safeguarding the Electorate's Will Against Tampered Returns
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's annulment of a proclaimed councilor's victory where election returns were tampered, affirming that procedural lapses cannot defeat the electorate's true will.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Lessons from a Philippine Rape-Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, using a rape-homicide case as a guide.
Petrochemical Plant Location in the Philippines: Site Exclusivity and Investment Law
The Supreme Court rules on whether Bataan is the exclusive site for petrochemical plants under P.D. Nos. 949 and 1803.
Philippine Franchise Tax and Real Property Tax: Exemptions for Telecom Companies
Supreme Court ruling on telecom franchise tax exemptions and real property tax liability under the Local Government Code.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Entrapment vs Instigation: The Fine Line in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty and Client Protection
When a lawyer fails to file a case on time, the consequences can be severe. Learn what the Supreme Court says about attorney negligence and your rights as a client.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
When Is a Misplaced Vote Valid? The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law
Philippine election law on stray votes and the neighborhood rule, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Velasco v. COMELEC.
Decoding Stray Votes: How Philippine Courts Validate Ballots With Misplaced Candidate Names
The Supreme Court explains the "neighborhood rule" for misplaced votes in barangay elections, and where the line is drawn.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Can’t Skip Government Processes in Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling shows why skipping administrative appeals in land disputes can be fatal to a case, barring court action entirely.
Laches Is Not a Shield for Fraud: Protecting Your Land Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: laches cannot defeat claims over void or forged land deeds. Know your rights.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
Missed Your Appeal Deadline? The Supreme Court’s Firm Stance on Appeal Periods
The Supreme Court explains why filing a motion for extension of time to appeal is not allowed and why missing the 15-day period is fatal.