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.
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Understanding Property Disputes: The Impact of Bad Faith Construction on Land Ownership Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on bad faith claims in property disputes, mortgage validity, and foreclosure rights under Philippine law.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Treachery vs. Superior Strength in Murder Cases: Key Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
Understand when treachery and superior strength qualify a killing as murder under Philippine law, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Double Voter Registration in the Philippines: Legal Consequences Under RA 8189
Learn the legal consequences of double voter registration in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Labay v. People.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, clarifying how minors are protected from sexual abuse.
SEC v. COA: Retained Income, Provident Funds, and the Limits of Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court ruled on when government agencies may use retained income for personnel benefits, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Navigating Extraordinary and Miscellaneous Expenses: A Guide for Government Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies COA rules on EME reimbursements for GOCCs, emphasizing receipts over certifications and strict compliance.
Salary Increases in GOCCs: Understanding the Legal Boundaries After Small Business Corporation v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when salary increases in government-owned corporations violate the EO No. 7 moratorium and who must return disallowed amounts.
Navigating the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the PAGCOR Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit powers over PAGCOR are limited by its charter, excluding operating expenses from coverage.
Strict Timelines for Appealing COA Decisions: A Guide for Public Officials
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld strict COA appeal deadlines in Paguio v. COA, and what public officials must know about finality and disallowance liability.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine judge's administrative liability for misconduct, undue delay, and ignorance of the law—and what it means for judicial accountability.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
SEC vs COA: Retained Earnings and Provident Fund Contributions Explained
A clear breakdown of the Supreme Court ruling on using retained earnings for provident fund contributions and officer liability.
Navigating Dishonesty in Public Service: Understanding the Consequences and Upholding Integrity
Supreme Court ruling on court employee dismissed for dishonesty via impersonation in civil service exam, and lessons for public servants.
Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: Lessons from Barroso v. COA on Solidary Liability
The Supreme Court nullified COA's solidary liability ruling against a university president who was never made a party, reaffirming due process rights in administrative cases.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Hearsay Evidence in Philippine Vehicular Accident Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur can overcome hearsay objections to traffic accident reports in insurance subrogation claims.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
Understanding the Prohibition Against Splitting a Cause of Action in Loan and Mortgage Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank cannot file both foreclosure and collection suits for the same loan obligation.
Attorney Responsibility: Signing Pleadings and Ethical Conduct in Philippine Law
A lawyer who signs pleadings without verifying their contents faces disciplinary action, as the Supreme Court reminds the bar.
Understanding Gross Negligence in Public Office: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of criminal liability for public officers under the Anti-Graft law, emphasizing the right against double jeopardy.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Scope and Limits Under Section 13 of R.A. 3019
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may be preventively suspended pending trial, including for offenses under R.A. 6713 involving fraud upon government funds.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts treat preliminary injunctions in contract disputes, including the grounds, requirements, and practical limits under existing rules.
Chain of Custody and the Objective Test: Why Drug Convictions Fail
The Supreme Court acquits a drug accused where the prosecution failed the objective test and chain of custody rules.
Racist Behavior as Serious Misconduct: What Ocampo v. International Ship Crew Management Means for Philippine
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's racist treatment of crew members justifies dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.