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 the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Understanding Treachery In Murder Cases Insights From A Recent Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, its elements, and practical implications from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence: Protecting Your Legal Rights and Interests
When a lawyer fails a client, the consequences can be severe. Learn what constitutes lawyer negligence and how the Supreme Court protects clients' rights.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Performance Incentives in Government Agencies
Explore how the Supreme Court limits COA's power over final judgments on money claims, ensuring fair compensation for government contractors.
When Presiding Officers Are Not Liable for Local Government Disallowances
The Supreme Court clarifies when a vice-governor as presiding officer may be held personally liable for a disallowed local government fund.
Marriage Nullity and Estate Settlement: Jurisdiction and Standing Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle marriage nullity and estate settlement, including who has legal standing to challenge a marriage's validity.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, and when it does not.
Navigating Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Blue Manila v. Jamias
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company doctors fail to give complete medical assessments.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Protecting OFWs from Fake Recruiters
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what overseas Filipino workers should watch out for.
Determining Employee Status: The Fine Line Between Employment and Partnership in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are employees, not partners, and the legal consequences for dismissal in the Philippines.
Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Masturbation in a Minor's Presence
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is child abuse under R.A. 7610, not just unjust vexation.
Acts of Lasciviousness and Child Sexual Abuse: Valenzona v. People
A Supreme Court ruling explains how lascivious conduct against a minor is punished under the Revised Penal Code and RA 7610, even when rape is not proven.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Contractor Becomes a Mere Agent of the Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Ortiz v. Forever Richsons, protecting regular employees from illegal dismissal.
Attorneys' Fees in Estate Recovery: Insights from the Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies mandatory personal notice to known heirs in probate proceedings and its impact on estate recovery.
Robbery With Intimidation in the Digital Age: When Online Threats Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that using Facebook threats to extort money constitutes robbery with intimidation under Philippine law.
Deceptive Resignation: Protecting Employees From Employer Misrepresentation in Termination
When employers force resignation letters through false promises, the Supreme Court may treat it as illegal dismissal. Learn the safeguards.
Masturbation in a Child's Presence Is Child Abuse Under RA 7610: De Vera v. People
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is psychological abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610, not mere unjust vexation.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decision
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using People v. Pereira to explain the rules on qualifying circumstances, self-defense, and damages.
Probate Notices: Personal Notification of Known Heirs Is Mandatory in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication alone is not enough; known heirs must receive personal notice in probate proceedings.
Good Faith Purchases and Property Rights: What Buyers Must Prove Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land are truly "innocent purchasers" and what they must prove to keep property.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.
Burden of Proof and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court acquits in a robbery with rape case due to material inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence, underscoring the burden of proof.
Government Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.