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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Double Sale of Property in the Philippines: Why Registration and Good Faith Are Your Best Protection
Learn how Philippine law resolves double sales of property and why timely registration and good faith determine ownership.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Work-Related Illness Compensation in the Philippines: Employee Rights Under PD 626 Explained
Learn how the GSIS vs. Valenciano case clarifies compensable work-related illnesses under PD 626, including occupational disease rules and employee rights.
Dishonesty IN Public Office Consequences AND Prevention IN THE Philippines
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Due Process for Probationary Employees Navigating Termination and Notice Requirements in Philippine Labor Law
Understand the due process rights of probationary employees in the Philippines, including termination rules, notice requirements, and legal remedies.
Judicial Delay and Misconduct: When Can You File an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines
Learn when you can file an administrative case against a Philippine judge for misconduct or delay, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Floro.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions in the Philippines
When do a lawyer's personal dealings become grounds for disbarment? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for professional misconduct cases.
Mortgage Still Valid Loan Restructuring AND Novation IN THE Philippines Reyes V BPI Family Savings Bank
When does loan restructuring cancel a real estate mortgage? The Supreme Court explains novation rules in Reyes v. BPI Family Savings Bank.
Judicial Impropriety WHY Even Good Intentions CAN Lead TO Sanctions FOR Judges IN THE Philippines
Private Land vs Public Grant: Understanding Property Rights and Free Patents in the Philippines
When a court decree vests private ownership, the land leaves the public domain and cannot be subjected to a free patent. This case explains why.
AWOL in the Philippines: When Absence Means Job Loss — A Supreme Court Case Analysis
A look at how Philippine law treats AWOL (absence without official leave) in employment, based on a Supreme Court decision.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Why Prior Use Beats Registration Alone
The Supreme Court explains why actual use in commerce, not mere registration, determines trademark ownership under Philippine law.
Public Plaza vs. Private Property: Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When can land used as a public plaza be claimed as private property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on property of public dominion.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine: How Civil Court Rulings Can Halt Graft Cases in the Philippines
Explaining the prejudicial question doctrine in Philippine law and how a civil case ruling can suspend or halt criminal graft proceedings.