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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Bidding Disqualification Upholding Agency Discretion In Government Contracts
The Supreme Court affirms agency discretion in government bidding, explaining protest rules, judicial hierarchy, and the limits of court intervention.
Proving Conspiracy in Civil Cases: Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel
A look at Dutch Boy Philippines v. Seniel on the burden of proving conspiracy in civil cases and the rules on damages awards.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Stays Liable Despite Principal Default
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on continuing surety agreements and a surety's joint and several liability despite the principal debtor's default.
Circumstantial Evidence and DNA in Rape with Homicide: When Conviction Stands Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when inconclusive DNA results do not warrant acquittal.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Legality and Upholding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, clarifying the rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and the chain of custody of seized drugs.
Contract Interpretation: Plain Language Prevails Over Extrinsic Evidence
When contract terms are clear, courts must apply them literally. Extrinsic evidence cannot rewrite a written agreement.
Illegal Strikes and Unfair Labor Practices: When Employee Remedies Survive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employees who joined an illegal strike may still claim backwages and separation pay for unfair labor practices.
Continuing Surety Agreements: When a Surety Is Liable for Another's Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains continuing surety agreements and when a surety becomes liable for a principal debtor's obligations.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Deliberate Attacks
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases and why a single credible eyewitness can secure a conviction.
Must-Carry Rule vs. Broadcasting Rights: The DTH Satellite Retransmission Case
The Supreme Court ruled that DTH satellite providers may carry free-to-air signals under the must-carry rule without violating broadcasting rights.
The High Cost of Shortcuts: Notarial Duties and Professional Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers that notarizing documents without the affiants present is serious professional misconduct with real consequences.
Land Disputes and Prescription: Time Limits in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 10-year prescriptive period for reconveyance of agrarian land begins, using Rementizo v. Heirs of Madarieta.
Imprescriptibility of Actions for Forged Signatures and Void Extrajudicial Settlements
When a signature is forged in an extrajudicial settlement, the action to declare it void does not prescribe. Learn the rule.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
Proving Ownership in Replevin: The Supreme Court's Ruling in Golden Delta v. Pre-Stress
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate factual findings may be overturned and how to prove ownership in replevin cases.
When a Motion for Reconsideration Is Not Required: Certification Election Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when the motion for reconsideration rule yields to DOLE rules, and how res judicata applies to certification election petitions.
Ownership Disputes Proving Title TO Construction Materials IN Replevin Actions
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and Retirement Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
SC ruling on regular employment, illegal dismissal, and retirement rights under Article 302 of the Labor Code.
Incestuous Rape: Delay in Reporting and the Moral Ascendancy of the Abuser
The Supreme Court clarifies when a father's lewd acts on his sleeping daughter constitute acts of lasciviousness, not RA 7610 violations.
Online Psychological Abuse Under VAWC: Higher Penalty When Committed Through Social Media
Supreme Court clarifies that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under RA 9262 warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Construction Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's recovery of overpayment from a government contractor, clarifying quantum meruit limits, due process, and procedural deadlines.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court annuls a COMELEC ruling that nullified execution pending appeal in an election protest, clarifying the standards for the remedy.