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.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Dual Citizenship and Philippine Law Practice: What Lawyers Must Know
How dual citizenship affects a Philippine law license, and the Supreme Court steps to keep practicing under RA 9225.
Foreclosure Judgments Must State Amount and Payment Period: Lontoc v. Tiglao
A foreclosure judgment must specify the exact amount due and the payment period under Rule 68, Section 2, or it cannot be executed.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Proving Negligence After Nuñez vs. Daz
When is a bad medical outcome negligence? The Supreme Court's Nuñez ruling clarifies the high burden of proof in Philippine malpractice cases.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
Chain of Custody and the Saving Clause in Philippine Drug Cases
When a flawed drug bust still stands: the saving clause under Section 21, RA 9165, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and the Role of Minority
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape becomes qualified and how minority and relationship must be alleged and proven in Philippine criminal cases.
Enforcing Foreign Arbitral Awards in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Learn why authenticated arbitration agreements are jurisdictional requirements for enforcing foreign arbitral awards in Philippine courts, as ruled in Manis Shipping.
Qualified Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When Trust Becomes a Weapon
How moral ascendancy can substitute for force in rape cases, and why abusing a position of trust over a minor leads to qualified rape.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Navigating Ownership Complexities
The Supreme Court clarifies how RA 11573 affects land registration applications, shortening the possession period to 20 years before filing.
Psychological Incapacity and Expert Testimony: What Zamora v. Zamora Means for Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a psychological assessment report is not indispensable in nullity cases—totality of evidence is what matters.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Letter of Authority vs. Letter Notice: When a BIR Tax Assessment Is Void
The Supreme Court ruled that a BIR Letter Notice cannot substitute for a Letter of Authority—assessments without a valid LOA are void.
Double Jeopardy in Attorney Disbarment: When Is a Lawyer Ineligible for Judicial Clemency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies double jeopardy in disbarment cases and the strict standards for judicial clemency for disbarred lawyers.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure in the Philippines: Why a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
The Supreme Court ruled that a general foreclosure clause is not enough—mortgagees need express authority to sell property extrajudicially.
Timely Filing of Just Compensation Claims Under Philippine Agrarian Law
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing just compensation claims with the Special Agrarian Courts under Philippine agrarian reform law.
Understanding Rape Conviction in the Philippines: Consent Evidence and the Role of Co-Conspirators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rape conviction standards, consent evidence rules, and co-conspirator liability in criminal cases.
Extrajudicial Settlement in the Philippines: Why Excluding Heirs Can Void the Deal
Learn how the Supreme Court protects excluded heirs in extrajudicial settlements, and what co-owners can still do with their shares.
Forcing Title Surrender After a Property Sale: What the Law Says
Learn when courts can compel a certificate of title's surrender under the Property Registration Decree, and the key difference between its relevant provisions.
Legal Standing and Public Interest Litigation: When Can You Sue the Government in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains legal standing, hierarchy of courts, and when citizens may sue the government in this 2023 mandamus ruling.
Labor-Only Contracting vs Legitimate Job Contracting: Key Distinctions and Employer Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between labor-only contracting and legitimate job contracting, and the employer liabilities that follow.
Jurisdiction and Due Process: When Courts Cannot Act Without Serving Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts acquire jurisdiction over respondents and why proper service of notice is essential to due process.