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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Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
When Habeas Corpus Fails Understanding Valid Arrest Warrants in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why habeas corpus cannot prosper when a person is detained under a valid arrest warrant and charged with a crime.
Interest on Interest in Philippine Mortgages: The Cuyco Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains when unpaid interest earns further interest in mortgage foreclosures, and when future loans need not be secured.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Streamlining Government IDs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420 on unified government IDs, clarifying the limits of presidential power of control.
Supreme Court Upholds EO 420: Streamlining Government ID Systems Is Valid Executive Action
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying government ID systems is a valid exercise of presidential power, not legislation.
Pre-Need Memorial Plans in the Philippines: Understanding Contract Terms and Funeral Service Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pre-need memorial plans, contract terms, and when funeral service claims fail.
When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
When Can Philippine Courts Issue Injunctions Against Government Orders? A Look at EO 420
The Supreme Court explains when courts can review executive orders, using the EO 420 unified ID system case as a guide.
Philippine Venue Rules: Suing in the Right Court—Domicile vs. Residence
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for personal actions, distinguishing residence from domicile in Saludo v. American Express.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Understanding Proper Remedies in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn the difference between certiorari and appeal in Philippine labor cases, and why choosing the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Project vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Construction
When do construction workers become regular employees? The Supreme Court explains the rules on project employment and security of tenure.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Amended POEA Contracts and Entitlements Explained
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when amended POEA disability benefit rates apply to seafarers and how Grade 1 impediments are compensated.
Executive Order 420 and the Right to Privacy: When ID Systems Need Legislation
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying existing government ID systems is a valid executive act, not legislation.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Dying Declarations and Res Gestae: How Philippine Courts Determine Truth in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations and res gestae in homicide cases, and how courts weigh witness credibility.
Possession vs. Paper Title: When Long-Term Possession Trumps a Certificate of Title
The Supreme Court explains when decades of open, exclusive possession can defeat a registered title in Philippine property disputes.
Constructive Dismissal Claims Require Proof of Employer Knowledge and Inaction
Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary resignation stands unless the employee proves the employer knew of intolerable conditions and did nothing.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Lost Votes Lost Mandates: Why Proper Comelec Rehearing Procedures Matter in Philippine Elections
A tied Comelec vote on a mayoral proclamation was resolved by "re-consultation" instead of a rehearing. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.