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.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Right to Access Search Warrant Records: Due Process and Confidentiality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts balance due process rights against informant confidentiality when accused persons seek search warrant records.
Double Jeopardy and Warrantless Arrests in Drug Possession Cases: A Supreme Court Insight
The Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy in drug possession cases and limits warrantless arrests based on informant tips alone.
Double Voter Registration in the Philippines: Legal Consequences Under RA 8189
Learn the legal consequences of double voter registration in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Labay v. People.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
Condonation Doctrine in Philippine Administrative Law: What Re-Election Means for Elected Officials
Explaining the condonation doctrine, its prospective abandonment by the Supreme Court, and how re-election can absolve prior administrative misconduct.
The President’s Power to Withdraw from Treaties: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarified the limits of the President’s power to withdraw from international treaties. Learn the rules from the Rome Statute case.
Proving a Lost Property Title: Evidence Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict evidence needed to replace a lost property title in the Philippines.
Understanding the Rule on Hierarchy of Courts: Implications for Legal Venue and Depositions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts rule in Palafox v. Mendiola, addressing venue for defamation cases and deposition timing.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Key to Philippine Land Registration
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, from the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. PNP.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying the PDS and CSC Jurisdiction Over Exam Anomalies
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal for dishonesty when a police applicant cheats on exams and lies in the Personal Data Sheet.
Understanding Freeze Orders Protecting Assets AND Upholding DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts issue freeze orders to protect assets and why due process remains essential in asset preservation cases.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Reinstatement in Illegal Dismissal: The Strained Relations Doctrine Explained
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and backwages. The strained relations doctrine is a narrow exception—learn how courts apply it.
Warrantless Searches and Anonymous Tips: The Sapla Ruling on Police Powers and Privacy Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when police may conduct warrantless vehicle searches and why anonymous tips alone cannot justify intrusive searches.
The Chain of Custody Rule in Drug Cases: Why Insulating Witnesses Matter
A look at People v. Flores, where the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to a broken chain of custody under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Environmental Advocacy and the Attorney's Duty When Fisherfolk Voices Clash in the West Philippine Sea
How lawyers can ethically navigate environmental advocacy when fisherfolk voices clash in the West Philippine Sea.
Illegal Dismissal of OFWs: Full Contract Pay Upheld by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court reaffirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to their full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between project and regular employment, and the security of tenure rights of employees.