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.
Presidential Approval for GOCC Employee Benefits: Lessons from the PMDC Case
The Supreme Court ruled that GOCCs must secure presidential approval for employee benefits under PD 1597, regardless of charter status.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Understanding the Limits of Medical Benefits for Government Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations may grant medical benefits to employees—and why presidential approval matters.
Understanding Estoppel by Laches: When Silence Can Cost You Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches to bar a party from questioning a court's jurisdiction after years of silence and active participation.
Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
Eyewitness Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases: Lessons from People v. Torres
The Supreme Court acquitted Michael Torres, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification cannot sustain a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Understanding Probable Cause: Judicial vs Executive Determinations in Customs Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in customs cases, and when courts may overturn prosecutors' findings.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Bank Liquidation and Bounced Checks: When Receivership Suspends Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how bank receivership and liquidation affect criminal liability for bounced checks under B.P. 22.
Understanding Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker becomes a regular employee and what constitutes illegal dismissal, using a truck driver's case.
When Can Employers Fire for Loss of Trust? Key Accounts Manager Case Explained
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal of a Key Accounts Manager who falsified documents.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: Proper Legal Remedies for COA Decisions in the Philippines
Understand the proper legal remedies for COA decisions in the Philippines, including jurisdictional rules and practical guidance for aggrieved parties.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.
Intervention in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court on Timely Action and Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when intervention in property cases is proper, and why procedural rules still matter even in equitable remedies.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.