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.
VFA Constitutionality Upheld: Balancing Sovereignty and International Agreements
The Supreme Court upheld the Visiting Forces Agreement as constitutional while striking down detention agreements that violated its terms.
Who May File Libel Cases: City Prosecutor vs Provincial Prosecutor
Supreme Court rules on which prosecutor has authority to file libel Informations, and why a wrong prosecutor's filing is a fatal jurisdictional defect.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Rehabilitation Petitions Technical Insolvency AND Creditors Rights IN Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a technically insolvent corporation may file for rehabilitation and how creditor rights are affected.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Option Contracts Consideration Requirement For Enforceability In Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on option contracts, consideration, and enforceability under Civil Code. Learn key takeaways.
Voluntary Surrender of Tenancy Rights: Landicho v. Sia Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on voluntary surrender of tenancy rights, farm helper claims, and prescription in Landicho v. Sia.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
When a Sheriff's Delay Undermines Justice: Lessons from Zamudio v. Auro
A deputy sheriff's repeated extensions to a judgment debtor and failure to file reports led to a finding of simple neglect of duty, with a fine imposed by the Supreme Court.
Correcting Dispositive Errors When Can A Final Judgment BE Clarified
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final and executory judgment may still be corrected for clerical errors or inadvertent omissions.
Reconveyance After Expropriation: Balancing Public Purpose and Private Rights
When government abandons an expropriated lot's public purpose, former owners may recover it—but must return just compensation.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal and Forfeiture of Benefits for Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, emphasizing accountability, ethical standards, and the consequences of grave offenses in the judiciary.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The High Cost of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose a related case in a certification against forum shopping can lead to indirect contempt. Learn from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Peace vs. the Constitution: Delineating Executive Power in Ancestral Domain Agreements
The Supreme Court ruled the MOA-AD unconstitutional, limiting the executive's power to bind the state in peace agreements.
Security of Person: The State's Duty to Protect Against Extralegal Killings and Enforced Disappearances
The Manalo ruling defines the constitutional right to security of person and the State's duty to protect citizens from enforced disappearances.