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.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Pawnshop Pledges: A Clear Guide
The Supreme Court confirms pawnshop pledges are subject to documentary stamp tax under the National Internal Revenue Code. Learn the rules.
Managerial Staff vs Regular Employees: Overtime Pay and Labor Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why managerial staff, like regular employees, are exempt from overtime pay and other labor standard benefits.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
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.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.
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.
AWOL and Dismissal: Consequences of Unexcused Absences for Philippine Government Employees
Learn how Philippine civil service rules treat AWOL—30 days of unexcused absence can lead to separation or dropping from the rolls.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion
Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Office Rules Matter When Tardiness Isnt Absenteeism In Philippine Courts
Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative circular on habitual absenteeism cannot be used to discipline mere tardiness. Learn the distinction.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Philippine Election Law: When COMELEC Loses Jurisdiction to the HRET After Proclamation
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Planas v. COMELEC on when a candidate's proclamation divests COMELEC of jurisdiction in favor of the HRET.
Salary Standardization Law: When Allowance Integration Is Valid Under RA 6758
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that NPC's integration of employee welfare allowance into salaries under RA 6758 was valid, and why mandamus failed.
Attempted vs. Consummated Rape in the Philippines: The Penetration Rule in People v. Miranda
Philippine law once required penile penetration for consummated rape. People v. Miranda shows why digital penetration meant attempted rape—and a lesser penalty.
Prescription Periods in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Just Compensation in the Philippines: Value Pegged at Time of Taking, Not Current Market Value
Philippine law pegs just compensation at the time of taking, not current market value. MIAA v. Rodriguez explains the rule.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Attorney Discipline in the Philippines: Gross Ignorance of the Law as Grounds for Reprimand
A retired judge-lawyer was reprimanded for gross ignorance of the law after citing outdated rules on citizenship. Learn the ethical duty of every Philippine lawyer.
Overt Acts and Intent: Understanding Attempted Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when acts amount to attempted rape and when they only constitute light coercion.
Intent to Kill: How Philippine Courts Determine Attempted and Frustrated Homicide
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish attempted from frustrated homicide through intent to kill, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Agencies: Full Release of Appropriations Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms that fiscal autonomy requires automatic and full release of appropriations to constitutional agencies, not mere scheduling.