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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Robbery With Rape vs. Separate Offenses: The Barrera Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with rape applies versus separate robbery and sexual assault charges, and why the distinction matters.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
IPRA Jurisdiction Limits: NCIP Authority and Final Judgments in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction under IPRA applies only when both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Its Professional Consequences
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, underscoring strict moral standards for the judiciary.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
When Must Property Sellers Deliver the Title? The Fil-Estate v. Hermana Realty Rule
Full payment of the purchase price entitles a buyer to demand the deed of sale and owner's duplicate title, even if taxes remain unpaid.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal AND THE Importance OF DUE Process IN Philippine Employment LAW
Presumptive Death Under Article 41: Proving a Well-Founded Belief
The Supreme Court clarifies what it takes to prove a well-founded belief of death under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice rather than a principal in homicide, and how civil liability is apportioned.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Absence Without Leave Isn't Enough
When is a dismissal illegal despite just cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on loss of trust and confidence and due process.
Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.
Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
Notarial Negligence and Tax Evasion: Lessons from Lopez v. Atty. Ramos
A notary's duty to verify identity and refuse unlawful deals explained through a lawyer's suspension for tax evasion.
Court Employee Liability for Unauthorized Pamphlet Distribution: A.M. No. 2019-11-SC
A Supreme Court employee was held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for facilitating unauthorized pamphlet distribution to justices' offices. Learn the rules.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Unlocking Tax Refunds: How the Supreme Court's Ruling on VAT Compliance Impacts Businesses in the Philippines
A guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on VAT refund claims, tax compliance, and what it means for Philippine businesses.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Work Related Conditions Easing Requirements FOR Compensation Claims IN THE Philippines
Learn how recent Supreme Court rulings ease requirements for work-related compensation claims in the Philippines, protecting employee rights.
Chain of Custody and Proof Beyond Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of attempted drug sale, stressing that prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Property Disputes and Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the BASECO Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treated compromise agreements and property rights in a dispute involving the Province of Bataan and sequestered BASECO assets.