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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Unauthorized Notarization in the Philippines: Consequences for Lawyers and the Public
When a lawyer notarizes a document without the signer appearing, the consequences are severe. This article explains the rules and penalties.
Disbarment FOR Dishonesty Forgery Forum Shopping AND Notarial Misconduct IN THE Philippines
Robbery With Rape in the Philippines: Understanding the Complexities and Victims Rights
The Supreme Court explains when rape accompanies robbery as a single crime, and affirms victims' rights and evidentiary rules.
Parental Rape in the Philippines: The Right to Counsel and the Death Penalty
When a father is accused of raping his daughter, the Supreme Court still requires effective counsel—explained in People v. Bermas.
Navigating Mining Tax Refunds in the Philippines: Understanding R.A. 1435 and Its Limits
Philex Mining v. CIR clarifies that the 25% mining tax refund under R.A. 1435 is based on old rates, not actual taxes paid.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting the Mentally Vulnerable Under the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape of a mentally retarded victim, explaining why force need not be proven.
Valid Search Warrants in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Specificity
Philippine law requires probable cause and particular description for valid search warrants. Kho v. Makalintal clarifies how specific these must be.
Rear-End Collision Liability in the Philippines: Negligence and Proximate Cause
Philippine courts presume the rear driver at fault in rear-end collisions. Learn the rules on negligence and proximate cause from Raynera v. Hiceta.
Grave Slander in the Philippines: Lessons from Artajos v. Court of Appeals
Learn how Philippine law punishes grave slander, the elements prosecutors must prove, and key lessons from the Supreme Court's Artajos ruling.
When Is a Policeman's Death Work-Related? Compensability for Law Enforcement Families in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a police officer's death is compensable under PD 626, and when the 24-hour duty rule does not apply.
Supreme Court Reconsiderations: Minute Resolutions and Finality of Judgments in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats minute resolutions, second motions for reconsideration, and finality of judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Navigating Automatic Stay Orders Suspending Claims During Corporate Rehabilitation in the Philippines
Learn how PD 902-A's automatic stay suspends labor claims during corporate rehabilitation, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Rubberworld.
Retroactive Registration: How Late Filings Can Validate Labor Union Petitions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late union registration can retroactively validate a certification election petition under labor law.
Bouncing Checks as Guarantees in the Philippines: BP 22 and Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that checks issued as guarantees or deposits still fall under BP 22 criminal liability when dishonored.
Navigating Homeowners Association Disputes: HIGC Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn when the HIGC, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over homeowners association disputes, based on a 1999 Supreme Court ruling.
Defining Rape in the Philippines: Is Penetration Always Necessary?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that full penetration is not required for rape; mere touching of the labia by the male organ suffices.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Are Allowances Included?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when monthly allowances form part of the salary base for computing separation pay under the Labor Code.
Due Process in Agrarian Reform: Ensuring Fair Land Distribution in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that DAR must observe due process before issuing CLOAs, affirming that beneficiaries deserve notice and hearing.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Consent Is No Defense Under the Revised Penal Code
The Supreme Court explains why consent is irrelevant in statutory rape cases involving victims below 12 years old, citing the Alojado case.
Retrenchment and Redundancy in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protections
Philippine law allows retrenchment and redundancy as valid grounds for dismissal. This article explains the rules employers must follow and the protections workers retain.
Redundancy and Retrenchment: Balancing Business Viability and Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law allows redundancy and retrenchment as valid grounds for dismissal, but employers must meet strict legal requirements. This article explains the rules.
Correcting Birth Certificate Errors in the Philippines: When Is a Summary Proceeding Enough?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Rule 108 summary proceedings can correct birth certificate errors versus when adversarial proceedings are required.
Philippine Energy Disputes: DOE vs ERB Jurisdiction Over Power Connections
The Supreme Court clarifies which agency—DOE or ERB—has jurisdiction over disputes involving direct power supply and disconnection in the Philippines.
Limits of Protest Striking Teachers and the Public Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on teacher strikes, free assembly limits, and public interest in education.