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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Due Process and Representation: The Solicitor General's Role in Criminal Appeals
A criminal appeal decided without the Solicitor General's participation violates due process. The Supreme Court explains why.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Confidentiality and Conflicts of Interest Are Not Violated
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's use of client information and representation of a former client's adversary does not breach professional ethics.
Disbarred Lawyer's Misrepresentation: Continuing Practice and Contempt Liability
A disbarred lawyer who misrepresents himself as an attorney and practices law commits indirect contempt, the Supreme Court rules.
Proportional Representation in the Commission on Appointments: What Drilon v. De Venecia Means for Political P
The Supreme Court explains when political parties can demand seats in the Commission on Appointments and the proper remedy for violations.
Death and Legal Representation: How Estate Claims Proceed in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate claims, probate jurisdiction, and why the value of the decedent's estate determines which court hears the case.
Rectifying Election Errors: COMELEC's Authority to Ensure Accurate Representation of Voters' Intent
When election documents are compromised, COMELEC can correct manifest errors even after proclamation. The Supreme Court explains why.
Party List Representation: Guaranteeing Seats While Balancing Proportionality
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on party-list seat allocation in Philippine elections, balancing guaranteed seats with proportional representation.
Fraudulent Assurances in Easement Contracts: Upholding Freedom From Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pleading fraud with particularity in easement contracts and the requirements for a valid cause of action.
Party List Representation AND Hold Over Principle Ensuring Continuity IN Political Organizations
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
Citizenship vs Identity: Name Discrepancies in Certificate of Candidacy Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when name discrepancies in a certificate of candidacy constitute material misrepresentation under election law.
Motion Denied: Why a Defective Notice Dooms an Appeal in Philippine Courts
Learn how defective verification, missing proof of authority, and improper counsel representation can derail appeals in Philippine courts.
Corporate Misrepresentation Piercing THE Veil OF Deceit IN Investment Fraud
Illegal Recruitment Conviction Stands Even Without Direct Misrepresentation of Authority to Deploy Workers Abr
The Supreme Court affirms that giving the impression of ability to send workers abroad, without express claims of authority, constitutes illegal recruitment.
Detention and Representation: Balancing Rights in Coup d'Etat Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a detained senator-elect cannot claim special rights to attend sessions while facing a non-bailable offense.
Who Can Speak for the Deceased: Legal Representation and Estate Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may substitute for a deceased party in civil cases, protecting estate rights and due process.
Domicile vs. Residency: Can a Green Card Holder Run for Local Office in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court rules that a green card holder who runs for local office without waiving US permanent residency commits material misrepresentation.
Misrepresentation and Due Process in Seafarer Medical Claims: De Jesus v. POMI
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of a prior ulcer did not bar medical claims, and that dismissal requires the contract's disciplinary procedure.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Limits on Self-Representation When a Lawyer Is Required in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a party may appear without counsel and why mixing self-representation with a lawyer's appearance is not allowed.
Board Resolution Required for Corporate Legal Representation: United Paragon Mining v. CA
Corporate officers cannot file suits or sign verifications for a corporation without a board resolution authorizing them, as United Paragon Mining v. CA shows.
Sailing in Troubled Waters: The High Cost of Misrepresentation in Philippine Vessel Registration
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on SEC's cease and desist powers and the dangers of corporate misrepresentation.
When Strikes Become Illegal: Collective Bargaining Rights and Union Representation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when strikes are illegal, who can be dismissed, and the rules on backwages for union members.
Lawyer Convicted of Direct Bribery: Acejas III vs. People and the Ethics of Representation
The Supreme Court convicted lawyer Francisco Acejas III of direct bribery for conspiring with a public officer to extort money — a warning to all legal professionals.