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.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Bribery in Philippine Courts
A court stenographer's dismissal for soliciting money from a litigant shows the strict ethical standards for Philippine court personnel.
Understanding Judicial Impartiality: Bias and Inhibition in Philippine Election Protests
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial inhibition in election protests, explaining what bias truly means and why rulings must not be mistaken for prejudice.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine lawyer's suspension highlights the rules on just compensation, finality of judgments, and the limits of DARAB authority.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Victim Testimony and Legal Standards in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying how victim testimony, force, and identity are assessed under Philippine law.
Lawyer Encroachment and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from Sevandal v. Adame
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer encroachment clarifies ethical boundaries when two attorneys claim the same client, with suspension as penalty.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Confessions and Conspiracy in Kidnapping and Murder Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats extrajudicial confessions and conspiracy in a kidnapping-for-ransom and murder case.
Homeowners Associations and the Limits of Authority in Intra-Association Disputes
Explore how Philippine law defines the authority of homeowners associations in internal disputes, and the legal boundaries they must observe.
Understanding Tax Implications of Initial Public Offerings: Separate vs Joint Computation
The Supreme Court clarifies how IPO taxes on primary and secondary offerings are computed under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Navigating the Legal Boundaries of Government-Owned Corporations: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Rulin
The Supreme Court upheld the GOCC Governance Act, clarifying the limits of security of tenure and delegation of powers.
Navigating Tax Law Conflicts: Understanding the Jurisdictional Limits of Courts in Tax Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries of judicial review in tax cases, emphasizing that courts cannot substitute their judgment for that of tax authorities.
Navigating the Boundaries of Economic Zone Jurisdiction: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that GOCCs cannot negotiate CBA economic provisions without presidential or GCG approval, reshaping labor relations.
Gross Discourtesy in the Judiciary: The Clerk of Court Case and Its Lessons
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's discourtesy shows the high standards of conduct expected of all judicial personnel.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: The DAR Secretary's Role in Cancellation of Land Ownership Awards
Learn when the DAR Secretary—not the DARAB—has jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Misconduct: Disbarment for Dishonesty and Deceit in Property Transactions
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for fabricating court filings and a fake decision in a client's annulment case, underscoring strict ethical standards.
Navigating THE Ethical Boundaries THE Role OF Lawyers IN Corporate Governance AND THE Dangers OF Frivolous Disbarment Claims
Just Cause for Dismissal: The Role of Evidence in Philippine Labor Disputes
When can an employer dismiss workers for just cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard in labor cases.
How the Supreme Court Redefines Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts, not the DAR, have final say on just compensation in agrarian reform cases.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Demolition in Philippine Economic Zones
The Supreme Court clarifies when PEZA can summarily demolish structures without permits inside economic zones, and why the Ombudsman's dismissal of graft charges stood.
Just Compensation in CARP Cases: When Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Special Agrarian Courts may deviate from the DAR valuation formula in determining just compensation under CARP.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from Land Bank v. Hilado
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform just compensation cases.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Judicial Misconduct Lessons from a Case of Immorality and Absenteeism
A retired judge's continued cohabitation with his mistress led to disbarment. Learn the ethical standards lawyers must uphold.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Conservatorship: Key Insights from the CAP Pension Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between corporate rehabilitation and conservatorship, and the limits of a rehabilitation court's jurisdiction over subsidiary corporations.