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.
Jurisdiction and Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches when a party attacks jurisdiction in a case not on appeal.
Bouncing Checks Law: Corporate Officers Personally Liable for Signed Checks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on BP 22: corporate officers who sign bouncing checks face personal criminal liability, even if signed in blank.
Election Result Errors Can Comelec Correct Proclaimed Winners
When can Comelec correct election results after a proclamation? The Supreme Court explains in Torres v. Comelec.
Pledge vs. Corporate By-Laws: Who Wins in Stock Ownership Disputes?
A bank's pledged shares were sold by a club for unpaid dues. The Supreme Court ruled on who prevails.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Taking Bribes: A Philippine Case Study
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial misconduct shows when a judge can be dismissed for bribery and corrupt practices.
Back Taxes on Undeclared Improvements: What "Declared for the First Time" Means
The Supreme Court explains when local assessors may impose back taxes on previously undeclared building improvements under PD 464.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.
Election Protests Must Specify Precincts Where Fraud Occurred
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why election protests must specify precincts where fraud allegedly occurred to be sufficient in form and substance.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Delay Justice: Lessons from Navarro v. Del Rosario
When a judge refuses to decide a case for years, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on judicial delay and accountability.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman in resolving complaints violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence as a just cause for dismissal, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Can Corporations Hire Optometrists? The Corporate Practice of Professions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether corporations may employ optometrists, and the limits of the corporate practice of professions doctrine.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Legal Malice Explained
Learn the three elements of malicious prosecution in the Philippines, including probable cause and legal malice, from the Drilon v. Court of Appeals ruling.
Adoption in the Philippines: Alien Restrictions and Joint Adoption Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when aliens may adopt Filipino children and why joint adoption by spouses is mandatory under the Family Code.
Marine Insurance: When Arrest of a Vessel by Civil Authorities Is a Covered Risk
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrest of a vessel by judicial process is a covered risk under marine cargo insurance policies.
Perfecting an Appeal: Navigating the Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how jurisdictional requirements affect appeals in Philippine labor cases, with insights from recent Supreme Court rulings.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Just Cause Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a valid dismissal needs both a just cause and due process — and that failing on either one changes the employer's liability.
Mining Claim Disputes: Tie Points and Reconstitution Requirements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mining claim validity, tie points under the Philippine Bill of 1902, and reconstitution rules.
Complex Crimes: When One Act Causes Multiple Fatalities Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how a single act causing multiple deaths is treated as a complex crime under the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting Your Innovation Understanding Utility Model Patents IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified COA's audit powers and the principle of quantum meruit in government construction contracts.
Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions: Safeguarding Rights in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the four requirements for admissible extrajudicial confessions and what makes counsel "competent and independent" in custodial investigations.
Understanding Attorney's Fees: When Lawyers Can Claim Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers can claim attorney's fees beyond retainers, explaining general vs. special retainers and quantum meruit.
Reconveyance Actions and Estate Administration: Jurisdiction vs. Venue in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seeking appointment as estate administratrix in a reconveyance action affects venue, not jurisdiction, of the RTC.