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.
Back Taxes on Undeclared Improvements: What "Declared for the First Time" Means
The Supreme Court explains when local assessors may impose back taxes on previously undeclared building improvements under PD 464.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence as a just cause for dismissal, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Election Protests Must Specify Precincts Where Fraud Occurred
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why election protests must specify precincts where fraud allegedly occurred to be sufficient in form and substance.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman in resolving complaints violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Delay Justice: Lessons from Navarro v. Del Rosario
When a judge refuses to decide a case for years, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on judicial delay and accountability.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Can Corporations Hire Optometrists? The Corporate Practice of Professions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether corporations may employ optometrists, and the limits of the corporate practice of professions doctrine.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Complex Crimes: When One Act Causes Multiple Fatalities Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a single act causing multiple deaths is treated as a complex crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: How Duplicate Cases Can Kill Your Labor Claim
Learn how filing duplicate labor cases amounts to forum shopping and leads to automatic dismissal under Philippine rules.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Understanding Attorney's Fees: When Lawyers Can Claim Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers can claim attorney's fees beyond retainers, explaining general vs. special retainers and quantum meruit.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Reconveyance Actions and Estate Administration: Jurisdiction vs. Venue in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seeking appointment as estate administratrix in a reconveyance action affects venue, not jurisdiction, of the RTC.
Defense of Strangers: When Can You Legally Protect Someone Else in the Philippines
Philippine law allows defending strangers, but only under strict conditions. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Witness Identification and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
How the Supreme Court weighed witness credibility, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder conviction.
Regular vs Project Employee: Understanding Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the difference between regular and project employees, and why employers must prove project-based hiring.
When Is Circumstantial Evidence Enough to Convict in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction—and why it failed in People v. Villaran.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Company Officers Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when corporate officers and close corporation stockholders can be held personally liable for separation pay.
Election Protests and Forum Shopping: The Certification Rule in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-forum shopping certifications apply to election protests and why timing matters.
Regular vs Project Employees: When Philippine Law Says You're Regular
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between regular and project employees, and why labeling workers as "project-based" is not enough.
The Perils of Delayed Disclosure: Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness identification, voice recognition, and alibi in criminal cases, explained through a 1997 Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating Forum Shopping in the Philippines: A Guide to Avoiding Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the non-forum shopping certification rule to election protests and why timing matters for your case.