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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Arson with Homicide: How Circumstantial Evidence Secured a Conviction
The Supreme Court affirmed an arson-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence. Learn the legal standard and key lessons.
Navigating Eminent Domain and Franchise Rights: The Battle Over Electricity Distribution in Iloilo City
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of expropriation provisions in R.A. 11212, allowing MORE Power to acquire PECO's distribution system in Iloilo City.
Res Judicata and Stare Decisis: What Unsigned SC Resolutions Mean for Stock Attachment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that unsigned resolutions bind only the parties, not the public, and cannot establish legal doctrine.
When a Public Facebook Post Becomes Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when social media posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
Understanding the Crucial Distinction Between Attempted and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a crime is attempted, not frustrated, murder—a distinction that changes the penalty.
Understanding Fraudulent Property Transfers, Implied Trusts, and Good Faith Buyers in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a fraudulent property transfer creates an implied trust and when buyers in good faith are protected under Philippine law.
Estafa Misappropriation Requires a Duty to Deliver: Vicente v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a contractor of estafa, ruling that a mere debt, without a duty to deliver funds, is not misappropriation.
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-conspirator is liable for robbery with rape, even without personally committing the rape.
Rape Convictions and Victim Credibility: Lessons from a Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court explains how victim testimony and conspiracy principles shape rape convictions in robbery with rape cases.
Understanding Bad Faith in Government Travel: A Guide to Avoiding Anti-Graft Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies what "evident bad faith" means under the Anti-Graft Law in a case involving unauthorized foreign travel.
When Credit Extensions Make Insurance Policies Valid: Chartis v. Cyber City
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-payment of premiums does not invalidate an insurance policy, and when insurers may collect.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Res Judicata and Medical Assessments Under POEA-SEC
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissed seafarer claim bars a later disability suit, and how conflicting medical opinions are resolved.
Promissory Estoppel in Philippine Employment: When Employer Promises Bind
A Supreme Court ruling shows how employer assurances on retirement benefits can bind companies under promissory estoppel. Learn the key lessons.
Lessee Reimbursement for Improvements: The Bermon Marketing Case
Learn when lessees can claim reimbursement for improvements under Article 1678 and how contract terms can waive that right.
Navigating Employee Incentives Legal Boundaries AND Accountability IN THE Philippine Public Sector
The Supreme Court upholds COA's disallowance of SSS employee incentives, clarifying legal limits and accountability rules for public sector benefits.
Understanding Term Interruptions and the Three-Term Limit Rule for Local Officials
The Supreme Court explains when an Ombudsman dismissal interrupts a local official's term, resetting the three-term limit rule.
Voidable vs Void Contracts: What Spousal Consent Means for Property Sales in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that sales of conjugal property without spousal consent are voidable, not void, under the Civil Code.
The Immutability of Final Judgments: A Supreme Court Lesson from the DBP-COA Dispute
The Supreme Court ruled that the COA cannot reopen settled accounts beyond the reglementary period, reinforcing the doctrine of immutability of final judgments.
Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary: What Court Personnel and the Public Should Know
A Supreme Court ruling on a court clerk's grave misconduct shows how public trust in the judiciary is protected.
Understanding Government Contract Disallowances: Detailed Engineering and Quantum Meruit
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COA disallowances for overestimated embankment materials in government road projects and the limits of quantum meruit.
Rice Allowance in GOCCs: When Employee Benefits Are Disallowed by COA
The Supreme Court clarifies limits on rice allowance and other benefits in GOCCs, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
LIVE'S vs LEVI'S: Supreme Court Rules on Trademark Confusion and Cancellation
The Supreme Court cancelled the LIVE'S trademark registration, ruling it confusingly similar to LEVI'S under the Dominancy Test.
Lessons on Judicial Ethics From a Dismissed Administrative Case Against Judges
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against harassment suits that intimidate the bench.