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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Government Procurement and Audit Disallowances: Lessons from a Landmark COA Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when government officials and contractors may be held liable for audit disallowances in public procurement projects.
Navigating Employee Benefits and Disallowance: Understanding the Scope and Limits of Government Health Program
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of government health benefits for GOCC employees, explaining when disallowances apply and who bears liability.
Moral Ascendancy and Statutory Rape: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and recantation are treated under Philippine law.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct AND Accountability IN Philippine Courts A Deep Dive Into Recent Supreme Court Rulings
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Rulings
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies murder, distinguishing sudden attacks from forewarned confrontations in People v. Archivido.
Understanding Seafarers' Rights to Compensation for Work-Related Illnesses
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is work-related and what benefits are due under the POEA-SEC.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarial Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains the penalties for notarizing documents without a valid commission and other notarial violations.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Witnesses Under RA 9165
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, and what this means for future cases.
Consent in Child Sexual Abuse Cases: The Bangayan Ruling Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court's Bangayan ruling clarifies when consent matters for victims aged 12 to 17 under RA 7610.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Insights From the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves public land is alienable and disposable for registration, and why NAMRIA certifications fall short.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Offense Cases: A Guide
Learn the strict chain-of-custody rules under RA 9165 that can make or break a drug case, explained through a recent Supreme Court acquittal.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases When Sudden Attacks Don't Qualify as Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack constitutes treachery, distinguishing murder from homicide in People v. Ukay.
Understanding Forcible Entry and Property Rights: Lessons from Ricardo v. Go
A lawyer bought property after litigation ended—was it ethical? The Supreme Court explains when lawyers may acquire property and what this means for property owners.
Plea Bargaining and Government Representation: Lessons from the Garcia Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the OSG's limits in plea bargaining cases and the Ombudsman's authority over Sandiganbayan prosecutions.
Ejectment Cases: Why Ownership Claims Don't Justify Forcible Entry in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that ownership disputes do not bar ejectment cases, and forcible entry cannot be justified by claiming title.
Seafarers Concealing Pre-Existing Illness: Impact on Disability Benefits Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's concealment of pre-existing illness in the PEME bars disability claims.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Unlawful Detainer vs Accion Publiciana: Key Property Dispute Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes unlawful detainer from accion publiciana, and why forum shopping can void administrative rulings.
Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee dismissal, just cause, due process, and corporate identity in illegal dismissal cases.
Zero-Rated VAT on Export Sales: Why Actual Exportation Matters Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that BOI certifications alone do not prove zero-rated VAT export sales without proof of actual exportation.
Ensuring Notarial Integrity: The Critical Role of Identity Verification in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds notaries that failing to verify identity and personal appearance in property deeds carries severe penalties.
Understanding Sub-Transmission Assets: The EPIRA Impact on Power Line Classification in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who classifies power lines as transmission or sub-transmission assets under EPIRA, and why it matters.