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.
Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Court Clerk for Theft of Court Funds
Court personnel who steal from court collections face dismissal, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
Grave Misconduct vs. Simple Neglect: When Can Philippine Officials Be Dismissed?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official may be dismissed for grave misconduct and how substantial evidence shapes administrative cases.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.
When Notarizing Two Deeds for the Same Property Becomes a Lawyer’s Undoing
A lawyer who notarized two deeds of sale for the same property with different amounts was suspended and lost his notarial commission. Here’s why.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Is a Signature Just a Signature
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a signature on public documents constitutes falsification, and the distinction between mere signatures and legal falsification.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Condonation Doctrine: Limits on Administrative Liability for Re-elected Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine's scope, applying it only to elected officials re-elected before April 12, 2016.
Lawyers as Dummies in Land Deals: Ethical Breach and Unauthorized Practice
SC suspends lawyer for two years for helping a corporation circumvent free patent rules and for practicing law while mayor.
Perpetual Disqualification: When Does It Take Effect in Philippine Law?
The Supreme Court clarifies when the accessory penalty of perpetual disqualification from public office takes effect under Philippine law.
When Lawyers Serve Two Masters: Ethical Violations in Land Deals and Public Office
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer-mayor for helping circumvent land ownership rules and practicing law while in public office.
Understanding Gross Neglect of Duty: A Landmark Ruling on Public Officials' Responsibilities
Explore the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on gross neglect of duty and what it means for public officials' responsibilities in the Philippines.
SALN Compliance: Government’s Duty to Notify and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory review and compliance procedure before penalizing officials for SALN errors or omissions.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: PEMC Authority to Investigate WESM Rule Breaches
Supreme Court affirms PEMC's concurrent power with ERC to investigate and sanction WESM rule breaches by market participants.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Register of Deeds' Duty Under RA 26
When registry records go missing, who must reconstitute your land title? The Supreme Court clarifies the Register of Deeds' duty under RA 26.
Import Restrictions and Preliminary Injunctions: Lessons from Alcala v. Carpio
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions against customs seizures of rice imports lacking NFA permits.
Forged Donation Municipality Liable FOR Taking Private Land Without Just Compensation
Supreme Court rules a municipality must pay just compensation when it builds a road on private land under a forged deed of donation.
Official Duty vs Corruption: The Limits of Anti-Graft Law in BFP Mutual Aid Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's withholding of funds is official duty, not graft, in BFP mutual aid case.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
Loss of Trust in Banking Employment: The Prudent Man Standard for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standard for terminating bank employees for loss of trust, balancing employer diligence with employee rights.
Forged Signatures and Municipal Liability: Just Compensation for Illegally Constructed Roads
When a municipality builds a road on private land based on a forged deed, the owner may be entitled to just compensation rather than removal of the road.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value agrarian reform land, emphasizing the time of taking and correct valuation formula.
Supreme Court Upholds CIAC Jurisdiction, Strikes Down 14-Day Arbitration Limit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms CIAC jurisdiction over government construction disputes and voids unreasonably short 14-day arbitration periods as contrary to public policy.