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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Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
Supreme Court clarifies lawyer discipline under the CPRA, including fines for disbarred lawyers and standards for respectful court conduct.
Courts May Provisionally Rule on Plaintiff's Death in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment courts may provisionally pass on a plaintiff's alleged death to resolve possession, without barring Rule 108 proceedings.
What a Disbarment Case Teaches About Lawyers and Corporate Roles in the Philippines
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment case against three lawyers, clarifying that corporate acts and mere receipt of pleadings are not professional misconduct.
Understanding Accretion in Philippine Criminal Law: The Joaquin Ruling on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies when lascivious acts against a minor fall under RA 7610's sexual abuse provision rather than its general child abuse clause.
Employee Termination for Unauthorized Absences: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle employee termination for unauthorized absences and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the strict rules police must follow under RA 9165.
Understanding Work-Related Illnesses and Disability Benefits for Seafarers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers with work-related illnesses like Meniere's Disease can claim full disability benefits under the POEA-SEC and CBA.
Sheriff Misconduct and Religious Bias: A Landmark Philippine Administrative Case
A sheriff's excessive force and Islamophobic justification lead to a one-year suspension and a strong rebuke from the Supreme Court.
Understanding Qualified Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Key Insights from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape of a mentally disabled adult is qualified statutory rape, and the role of DNA evidence.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Legal Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A landmark Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how rape of a mentally disabled victim is classified and punished.
Lawyer Conduct in Corporate Governance: Lessons from a Philippine Disbarment Case
A dismissed disbarment case clarifies when lawyers acting as corporate officers may or may not face disciplinary liability under the CPR.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Accion Reivindicatoria: Key Differences in Philippine Property Law
Learn the difference between unlawful detainer and accion reivindicatoria in Philippine property law, and when each legal action applies.
Proving a Lost Property Title: Evidence Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict evidence needed to replace a lost property title in the Philippines.
Withdrawing a Resignation: When Retraction Before Acceptance Is Valid
Can an employee retract a resignation before the employer accepts it? The Supreme Court explains the rules in Vergara v. ANZ Global Services.
Judicial Stability and Forum Shopping: Lessons from a Landmark COA Disallowance Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal periods in COA disallowance cases and the binding effect of corporate board resolutions on subsidiaries.
Suffrage Safeguards: Upholding Election Integrity Through Specificity and Evidence in Electoral Protests
The PET dismissed Marcos Jr.'s 2016 VP election protest, affirming Robredo's victory and underscoring the strict rules on specificity and evidence in election contests.
Understanding Liability for Unauthorized Corporate Expenditures: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Co
The Supreme Court clarifies when government officials and employees must return disallowed benefits like the NFA's Food and Grocery Incentive.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Navigating Excise Tax Refunds: The Two-Year Prescriptive Period in the Philippines
Understand the two-year prescriptive period for excise tax refunds in the Philippines and how the Supreme Court applies procedural rules in customs assessments.
The Maceda Law and Installment Sales: Lessons from Integrated Credit v. Cabreza
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the Maceda Law governs installment sales of real property and why strict compliance with its rescission rules matters.
Unlocking Bank Secrets: The AMLC's Role in Financial Transparency and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies the AMLC's duty to disclose bank records in criminal cases, balancing confidentiality with prosecution.
Understanding the Rule on Hierarchy of Courts: Implications for Legal Venue and Depositions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy of courts rule in Palafox v. Mendiola, addressing venue for defamation cases and deposition timing.
Supreme Court: Lawyers Cannot Delegate Legal Work to Non-Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on professional responsibility—lawyers cannot delegate legal tasks to non-lawyers. Know the limits.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Police Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over police failure to secure required witnesses during inventory, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules.