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.
PhilHealth Personnel Are Public Health Workers: Longevity Pay Case
Supreme Court rules PhilHealth personnel are public health workers under the Universal Health Care Act, entitling them to longevity pay.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Speed Limits and Local Governance: When Public Safety Measures Fail Legal Scrutiny
The Supreme Court voids a municipal speed limit ordinance for non-compliance with publication and RA 4136, underscoring the rule of law in local governance.
Ombudsman's Power to Reopen Cases and Due Process in Preliminary Investigations
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on the Ombudsman's authority to reverse a predecessor's findings and due process limits in preliminary investigations.
Supreme Court Upholds Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Charges Over Lahar Quarrying
The Court explains when it will not interfere with the Ombudsman's probable cause findings, even where injury to a landowner may exist.
Distinguishing Child Abuse From Physical Injuries: Intent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that not every injury to a minor is child abuse; specific intent to debase or demean must be proven.
Attorney Suspended for Disobeying Court Orders: Abellanosa v. COA and NHA
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for repeatedly ignoring lawful court directives, underscoring lawyers' duty to obey court orders.
Premium Tax vs Cost of Service: Defining Minimum Corporate Income Tax
Supreme Court clarifies which taxes count as "cost of services" in computing MCIT for insurance companies, and when DST applies to policy increases.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Venue in Estafa Cases: Where Does a Bouncing Check Crime Occur?
The Supreme Court clarifies that in estafa cases involving bouncing checks, venue lies where the check was issued and dishonored, not where negotiations occurred.
When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Treachery Must Exist at the Attack's Inception
The Supreme Court explains when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why treachery must exist from the very start of the attack.
Child Abuse Conviction Upheld: Physical Violence Against Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a stepmother's conviction for child abuse under RA 7610, clarifying what constitutes physical abuse and the weight given to children's testimonies.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Indefinite TRO and Delay in Resolving Case
SC penalizes judge for issuing an indefinite TRO and for undue delay, clarifying rules on multiple administrative offenses.
Lodging Liability When Hotel Owners Promote Human Trafficking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hotel owner liability for promoting trafficking under RA 9208, based on circumstantial evidence.
Breach of Trust: How Philippine Law Punishes Theft by Domestic Servants
The Supreme Court explains qualified theft by domestic servants, intent to gain, and penalties under RA 10951.
Sibling Disputes and Court Filings: When Family Code Conciliation Rules Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when Article 151 of the Family Code requires earnest efforts before family members can sue each other.
Sheriff Duties and Neglect in Attachment Cases: Protecting Your Property Rights
Learn how sheriffs must handle attached properties, their inventory duties, and what happens when they neglect these responsibilities.
Notarization Rules: When a Notary Public Violates the 2004 Rules on Notarial Practice
The Supreme Court defines the strict personal appearance requirement for notarization and the penalties for violating notarial rules.
Contempt of Court for Ignoring Immediate Suspension Orders in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers must comply with suspension orders marked "effective immediately" upon receipt, or face contempt.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: What the Zamora Case Teaches Litigants
Learn how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes forum shopping, and what the Zamora ruling means for litigants filing multiple cases.
Judicial Overreach: Enjoining Ombudsman Suspension Orders and the Limits of Declaratory Relief
A judge was fined for gross ignorance of the law after issuing injunctions against an Ombudsman suspension order, exceeding RTC jurisdiction.
Varicose Veins and Workers' Compensation: Proving the Link Between Work and Illness
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in GSIS v. Tañedo on when varicose veins qualify for compensation under PD 626.