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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Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Navigating Collective Negotiation Agreement Incentives in Philippine Government Agencies
The Supreme Court clarifies when CNA incentives may be granted to managerial employees and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Understanding the Limits of Government Audit Jurisdiction: Insights from the Pagcor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of COA audit jurisdiction over government-owned or controlled corporations and their subsidiaries.
Protecting Environmental Rights: Understanding the Writ of Kalikasan in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when the writ of kalikasan may issue, requiring proof of environmental law violation and large-scale damage.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutorial Consent Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies that plea bargaining in drug cases requires prosecutorial consent; courts cannot force a plea agreement over the prosecution's objection.
Extinctive Novation: When a New Loan Cancels an Old Debt and Invalidates Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how extinctive novation cancels old debts and why foreclosing on extinguished obligations is premature and void.
Understanding Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Laws in the Philippines: Protecting Our Youth
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lascivious conduct and child abuse under R.A. 7610 in a teacher's conviction.
Understanding the Elements of Rape and the Power of Victim Testimony in Philippine Law
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling explains the elements of rape and why a credible victim's testimony can be enough to convict.
Notifying Indispensable Parties in Property Restriction Cancellation Cases
Why courts void orders canceling property restrictions when indispensable parties like homeowners' associations are not notified and impleaded.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When Lack of Medical Assessment Means Permanent Disability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a company-designated physician's failure to issue a definite medical assessment within 120 days can entitle a seafarer to permanent disability benefits.
The Limits of Certiorari and the Finality of Acquittal in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an acquittal can still carry civil liability, and the procedural consequences of filing a demurrer to evidence.
When a "Fit to Work" Report Isn't Enough: Seafarers' Disability Claims and the 120-Day Rule
A company-designated physician's assessment must be definite and timely. Learn how the Reyes ruling protects seafarers' disability claims.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutors' Consent Matters Under Rule 116
The Supreme Court voids a drug conviction where the trial court approved a plea bargain over the prosecution's objection, reaffirming Rule 116.
The Prejudicial Question Doctrine: When a Civil Case Outcome Bars Criminal Prosecution
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the prejudicial question doctrine to dismiss falsification charges after a civil case settled the core issue.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies when delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, using the Daep v. Sandiganbayan ruling as a guide.
Seafarer Claims and Agency Transfers: What the Supreme Court Ruled
Learn how agency transfers affect seafarer liability claims, including the original manning agency's continuing responsibility under Philippine law.
Understanding Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Land Disputes: A Landmark Ruling
Learn how estoppel by laches bars stale land claims in the Philippines, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When a Hotel Shower Injury Becomes Compensable
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's injury, even one occurring in a hotel before boarding, can be compensable as work-aggravated.
Arbitration Awards and Judicial Review: The Adapon Case on Enforceability in the Philippines
Philippine courts may only vacate arbitral awards on limited grounds. The Adapon case clarifies the scope of judicial review.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Company Doctor's Assessment Is Not Enough
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer may claim total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
HLURB Decisions in Homeowners’ Association Disputes: Appeal to the CA, Not the OP
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that HLURB decisions on intra-association disputes must be appealed directly to the Court of Appeals, not the Office of the President.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Treachery vs. Abuse of Superior Strength: Key Ruling in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how treachery absorbs abuse of superior strength in murder cases, and why self-defense claims fail against positive identification.
Employer Liability for Unremitted SSS Contributions: Key Lessons from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for unremitted SSS contributions, damages, and penalties under the Social Security Act.