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.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Compromise Agreements and Third Party Rights: Protecting Property Interests in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, third party rights, property interests, and execution of judgments explained in plain language.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Unreasonable Searches Evidence Inadmissible When Police Exceed Warrant Scope
When police exceed a search warrant's scope and violate Section 21, seized evidence becomes inadmissible, potentially leading to case dismissal.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Claur Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in nullifying marriages, applying the Tan-Andal guidelines.
Revocation of Teacher’s License, Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies, and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in administrative cases and the distinction between dishonesty and simple negligence in license revocation proceedings.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Why a Heated Argument Can Downgrade the Crime to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing after a heated argument lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide under Philippine law.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Constructive Dismissal and Contract Ambiguity: Lessons from Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court's ruling in Esico v. Alphaland clarifies constructive dismissal claims and the consequences of ambiguous employment contracts.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Forum Shopping in Nullity Cases: One Action for Property Settlement
Filing a separate property case while a nullity case is pending constitutes forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how the Cybercrime Prevention Act raises the penalty.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
New Mayor’s Power to Withdraw Predecessor’s Motion: Berces v. CSC
Can a new mayor withdraw an administrative appeal filed by a predecessor? The Supreme Court clarifies succession, finality, and misconduct rules.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
Failure to State vs. Lack of Cause of Action: Key Distinctions in Philippine Property Cases
Learn the crucial difference between failure to state a cause of action and lack of cause of action, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Roa v. Sy.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: Key Lessons from G.R. No. 274842
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of Facebook posts in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
When Property Division Follows a Void Marriage: Philippine Supreme Court Guidance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies property division rules after void marriages, protecting parties' rights and ensuring equitable outcomes.