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.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Probationary Employment: Protecting Teachers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term teaching contracts must yield to probationary employment rules under Philippine law.
Upholding Possession Jurisdiction in Forcible Entry Cases and the Significance of Juridical Acts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on forcible entry jurisdiction, possession through juridical acts, and the one-year prescriptive period.
Beyond Morality: LGBT Rights and Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that moral disapproval alone cannot bar LGBT groups from party-list accreditation, affirming equal protection and secular governance.
Authority to Sue Corporations Must Prove Representation in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that corporate plaintiffs must prove their representative's authority to sue, or risk dismissal of their case.
When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Determining Agrarian Disputes Jurisdiction Between DARAB and DAR Secretary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not the DAR Secretary, has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving OLT coverage.
Lifting Sequestration Orders Protecting Assets From Mismanagement
When can a sequestration order be lifted for mismanagement? The Supreme Court explains the limits in YKR Corporation v. Sandiganbayan.
Establishing Filiation: The Evidentiary Standard for Illegitimate Children's Support Claims
A support promise without an admission of paternity does not establish filiation. Nepomuceno v. Lopez clarifies the rule.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Judicial Appointments and the Election Ban: De Castro v. Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules on whether the President may appoint the Chief Justice during the election ban on midnight appointments.
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
Confessions to Barangay Peacekeepers Without Counsel Are Inadmissible Evidence
The Supreme Court rules that uncounselled confessions to bantay bayan members are inadmissible in evidence, but a rape conviction can still stand on other proof.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
NPC Not Exempt from Legal Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Rule on Court Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that the National Power Corporation must pay filing fees and other legal fees, affirming the Court's exclusive power over procedural rules.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists: A Win for Philippine Tourism
The Supreme Court upheld RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Confession and Circumstantial Evidence Sustaining Conviction in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a spontaneous confession is admissible and how circumstantial evidence alone can prove rape with homicide.
Partnership Disputes: Proving a Partnership Without a Formal Agreement
When no written partnership contract exists, courts look to conduct and circumstances. This case shows how to prove or disprove an informal partnership.
Love Conquers All: Marriage Extinguishes Rape Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court absolves a convicted rapist after marrying the victim, citing provisions of the Revised Penal Code on marriage as extinguishing criminal liability.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
When a Family Trust Fails: Proving Partnership and Ownership After Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to prove a partnership existed and who owns family assets when a relative dies without formal documents.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Lump Sum vs. Unit Price in Land Sales: The Del Prado v. Caballero Rule
Philippine land sale disputes often hinge on lump sum versus unit price contracts. The Supreme Court's ruling in Del Prado v. Caballero clarifies the rules.
Eminent Domain Revisited: When Expropriated Land Must Be Returned After Public Use Ceases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when former owners can reclaim expropriated property if the public purpose is abandoned or never pursued.
Gun Store Owners' Negligence Liability for Accidental Shooting Ruled by Supreme Court
Supreme Court holds gun store owner liable for negligence after defective firearm left loaded in unlocked drawer causes fatal accidental shooting.