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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Navigating Buy-Bust Operations in the Philippines: A Supreme Court Guide
A Supreme Court guide to buy-bust operations in the Philippines, covering legality, procedure, and evidentiary rules for drug cases.
Dual Citizenship and Election in the Philippines: Clarifying Qualifications for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizenship disqualifies a candidate and how filing a certificate of candidacy can cure it.
Defining Kidnapping When Taking A Child Becomes A Crime IN THE Philippines
When does taking a child become kidnapping? The Supreme Court explains the elements of serious illegal detention under the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Legal Ethics When Lawyer Neglect Leads to Suspension in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's failure to file a brief and obey court orders led to suspension for violating legal ethics.
Proving Residency and Citizenship for Candidacy: Lessons from Valles v. COMELEC
How the Supreme Court clarified citizenship, dual allegiance, and disqualification rules for elective office in the Philippines.
National vs Local Amusement Tax: Who Taxes PBA Games in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that amusement tax on PBA games is a national tax, not a local one. Learn the legal basis.
Protecting Children: Understanding the Crime of Rape and Parental Liability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle rape cases, the rules on witness credibility, and what parents should know about liability.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in the Philippines: Substantial Evidence and Employee Rights
Understand how the Supreme Court protects employees in sexual harassment cases, applying substantial evidence in administrative proceedings.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: Understanding the Requisites for Justifiable Homicide
Learn the three requisites for self-defense in Philippine law, who bears the burden of proof, and how courts test claims of unlawful aggression.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Judicial Efficiency IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for failing to decide a case within the 90-day constitutional period.
Prior Convictions and Probation Eligibility in the Philippines: The Pablo Doctrine
A prior conviction in a related case can bar probation under Philippine law. Learn the strict rule from Pablo v. Castillo.
Beyond Eyewitnesses: Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining what this means for criminal prosecutions in the Philippines.
CBA Arbitral Award Retroactivity in the Philippines: Meralco v. Secretary of Labor Explained
Learn the rule on retroactivity of CBA arbitral awards from Meralco v. Secretary of Labor, including the six-month period and hold-over principle.
Bigamy in the Philippines: Why a Court Declaration Is Needed Even for Void Marriages
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of nullity is required before remarriage, even if the first marriage is void.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bail: When Can a Judge Issue a Release Order in the Philippines
A judge's power to approve bail and issue release orders is limited by territorial jurisdiction. Learn the rules from a landmark administrative case.
Lis Pendens Cancellation in the Philippines: What Property Owners Should Know
Learn when a Notice of Lis Pendens can be cancelled in the Philippines, the grounds under PD 1529, and key lessons from Yared v. Ilarde.
Why a Court Declaration of Nullity Is Crucial to Avoid Bigamy in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a prior judicial declaration of nullity is essential before remarrying, and why a pending nullity case cannot suspend a bigamy prosecution.
Ex Officio Notarization: Defining the Boundaries for Municipal Court Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of municipal trial court judges' ex officio notarization powers under Circular No. I-90.
Precision in Charges: How a Flaw in a Rape Indictment Spared a Defendant from Death Penalty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. San Juan clarifies how a defective rape indictment affects penalties and due process.
Earnest Money Isn't a Done Deal: Why Payment Terms Perfect a Contract of Sale in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money alone doesn't perfect a sale when payment terms remain unsettled. Learn the rules.
Failure of Election Petitions in the Philippines: What the Law Requires
Failure of election is a narrow remedy under Philippine law. Learn the grounds, the limits, and how Banaga v. COMELEC clarifies the rules.
Fighting Back How Improper Summons Can Nullify Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how improper service of summons can invalidate court judgments in the Philippines and what it means for defendants' rights.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Attorney Conflict of Interest in the Philippines: Lessons from Sibulo v. Cabrera
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for representing opposing parties in the same case, and the ethical rules on conflict of interest.