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.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Pawnshop Pledges: A Clear Guide
The Supreme Court confirms pawnshop pledges are subject to documentary stamp tax under the National Internal Revenue Code. Learn the rules.
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.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
When Certifying Completion: Public Official Liability for Inaccurate Certifications
A provincial treasurer certified PSB projects as 100% complete when they were not. The Supreme Court explains when officials face liability.
Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines: Automatic Release of Funds for Constitutional Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy requires full, automatic release of funds to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.
Finality of Supreme Court Decisions: Understanding Res Judicata in Philippine Labor Disputes
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigation of final labor rulings, with practical guidance for employers and employees.
Notarization Essentials: Why Personal Appearance Before a Notary Public Is Non-Negotiable in the Philippines
A lawyer who notarized a document without one affiant's personal appearance was suspended and disqualified. Learn the notarization rules.
Power Rates and Public Notice: Why Transparency Matters in Philippine Electricity Regulations
A Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's generation charge increase clarifies when public notice and publication are required for rate adjustments under EPIRA.
Lost Your Land to Fraud? Understanding the 10-Year Deadline for Reconveyance in the Philippines
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing reconveyance of fraudulently titled land in the Philippines and how courts apply the discovery rule.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.