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.
Understanding Bad Faith in Government Travel: A Guide to Avoiding Anti-Graft Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies what "evident bad faith" means under the Anti-Graft Law in a case involving unauthorized foreign travel.
Understanding the Crucial Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a crime is attempted, not frustrated, murder—a distinction that changes the penalty.
Understanding Government Contract Disallowances: Detailed Engineering and Quantum Meruit
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COA disallowances for overestimated embankment materials in government road projects and the limits of quantum meruit.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
Understanding Term Interruptions and the Three-Term Limit Rule for Local Officials
The Supreme Court explains when an Ombudsman dismissal interrupts a local official's term, resetting the three-term limit rule.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Key Insights from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape of a mentally disabled adult is qualified statutory rape, and the role of DNA evidence.
Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Disability Benefits for Seafarers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers with work-related illnesses like Meniere's Disease can claim full disability benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how rape of a mentally disabled victim is classified and punished.
Understanding the Rule on Hierarchy of Courts: Implications for Legal Venue and Depositions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts rule in Palafox v. Mendiola, addressing venue for defamation cases and deposition timing.
Understanding the Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why proving the wound's fatality matters.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Bank Liquidation: Filing Claims Against Closed Banks in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle claims against closed banks, including the liquidation court's exclusive jurisdiction under RA 7653.
Understanding the Limits of Quasi-Judicial Powers: The DARAB's Jurisdictional Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DARAB, as a quasi-judicial body, cannot exercise certiorari powers—a key ruling on jurisdictional limits.
Navigating Land Disputes: Understanding the Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the indefeasibility of Torrens titles protects mortgagees in good faith and foreclosure sale purchasers in land disputes.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Legal Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer and the burden of proof for work-related illness claims under the POEA-SEC.
Understanding Total and Permanent Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as a seafarer for disability benefits, ruling that offshore platform workers on fixed structures are land-based employees.
Understanding Just Compensation in Philippine Expropriation: Landmark Ruling on Interest Rates
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest accrues on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, citing Republic v. Heirs of Francisco.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn the elements of qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208 through a Supreme Court case on a minor exploited in a videoke bar.
Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons: The Helen Lapena Case and Its Impact on Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for qualified trafficking in persons, clarifying how floor managers who maintain minors for prostitution are held liable under RA 9208.
Understanding Treachery In Murder Cases Insights From A Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, its elements, and practical implications from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Performance Incentives in Government Agencies
Explore how the Supreme Court limits COA's power over final judgments on money claims, ensuring fair compensation for government contractors.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence: Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests
When a lawyer fails a client, the consequences can be severe. Learn what constitutes lawyer negligence and how the Supreme Court protects clients' rights.
Understanding Freeze Orders Protecting Assets AND Upholding DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts issue freeze orders to protect assets and why due process remains essential in asset preservation cases.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.