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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Conflict of Interest in Philippine Law: Client Loyalty and the Cabucana Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's representation of opposing parties violates Rule 15.03 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Protecting Your Retirement: When the Government Can Withhold Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when retirement benefits can be withheld for government debts, and what protections retirees have.
Judicial Determination of Just Compensation Prevails in Agrarian Reform Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed that courts, not administrative agencies, have final authority over just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
When Does A Term Count Decoding THE Three Term Limit Rule FOR Philippine Local Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies how the three-term limit for local officials is counted, including what constitutes a term and when the limit applies.
Securing Your Right to Possess Public Land: Understanding Accion Publiciana in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve possession disputes over public land through accion publiciana, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Genuine Necessity in Eminent Domain: Understanding Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines "genuine necessity" in expropriation cases and protects property rights against arbitrary government taking.
Safeguarding Due Process: Proper Preliminary Investigation and Bail Procedures
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability clarifies the mandatory rules on preliminary investigation and bail hearings in the Philippines.
Comelec Jurisdiction Over Plebiscites Ensuring Electoral Integrity Beyond Elections
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec’s exclusive jurisdiction over plebiscite disputes, upholding its authority to revise ballots and declare results.
Judicial Efficiency and Accountability: Understanding the Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's delay in resolving a case amounts to a violation of judicial conduct rules.
Presumption of Regularity in Dismissing Administrative Charges Against Judges Without Substantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that administrative complaints against judges require substantial evidence, and the presumption of regularity applies when charges lack proof.
Technical Malversation in the Philippines: When Is Public Fund Misuse Illegal
The Supreme Court clarifies technical malversation under of the Revised Penal Code and when public fund diversion becomes a crime.
Preponderance of Evidence Key to Ill-Gotten Wealth Recovery in the Philippines
How the Supreme Court ruled that preponderance of evidence, not proof beyond reasonable doubt, governs ill-gotten wealth cases.
When Presence Is Not Enough: Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence or even physical restraint does not make one an accomplice absent community of criminal design.
Unlocking Swift Justice: How Summary Judgment in the Philippines Can Expedite Your Case
Learn how summary judgment in Philippine civil cases can fast-track litigation, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Execution Pending Appeal in the Philippines: When 'Good Reasons' Justify Immediate Judgment Enforcement
Learn when Philippine courts allow execution pending appeal, the 'good reasons' required under Rule 39, and key lessons from Bangkok Bank vs. Lee.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that public Facebook posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and using social media raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Eminent Domain vs Rulemaking: Prioritizing Fair Compensation in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 8974 governs expropriation of national infrastructure projects, prioritizing immediate payment to property owners over Rule 67's deposit system.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Forum Shopping One Bite at the Apple in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court barred a co-owner's legal redemption claim for being filed seven years after actual knowledge of the sale, applying laches and the relaxed written notice rule.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employer Actions Create Unbearable Working Conditions
Constructive dismissal happens when an employer makes continued work unbearable, forcing an employee to resign. Learn how Philippine law and the Supreme Court treat it.