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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Understanding Mootness in Philippine Legal Proceedings: Insights from a Landmark Infrastructure Project Case
The Supreme Court explains mootness doctrine through a DOH infrastructure bidding dispute, showing when courts dismiss cases as moot.
Unlocking the Path to Remarriage: How Philippine Courts Handle Foreign Divorce Decrees
The Supreme Court clarifies when Filipino spouses in mixed marriages may remarry after a foreign divorce, and why courts relax procedural rules for substantial justice.
Attempted vs. Frustrated Homicide: The Gemenez Ruling on Proving Fatal Injuries
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shooting is attempted, not frustrated, homicide—key lessons on proving fatal injuries.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Municipality of Bakun v. Municipality of Sugpon
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how local government boundary disputes are appealed, and why procedural rules yield to substantial justice.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Navigating Work-Related Illness Claims: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Seafarer Compensation
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related illness, including the reasonable link test and quitclaim validity.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains treachery, alibi, eyewitness identification, and damages in murder cases. Learn the key principles.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Teasing in the Public Sector: When a Joke Becomes Simple Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace teasing crosses the line into simple misconduct, and why dismissal may be warranted for repeat offenses.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Notarizing a Document: When a Notary Public Is Not Liable for False Contents
Learn when a notary public is not liable for false statements in a notarized document, based on a 2020 Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Partitioning Inherited Property: Why Precise Land Identification Matters for All Heirs
A Supreme Court ruling on partition shows why heirs must clearly identify inherited land. Learn the rules and practical lessons.
When Sellers May Keep Partial Payments in a Failed Property Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller may keep partial payments as rentals after a failed contract to sell.
Medical Abandonment and Seafarers' Disability Claims: The Antolino Case
When a seafarer skips required medical check-ups, disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains the limits of financial incapacity as an excuse.
Tax-Free Share Swaps in the Philippines: The Co Ruling and CGT Exemptions
The Supreme Court's Co ruling clarifies when share swaps are tax-free under (C)(2) of the NIRC, saving businesses millions.
Grave Abuse of Discretion: Ombudsman's Duty and Limits in Graft Cases Involving Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may dismiss graft complaints involving property disputes and what grave abuse of discretion truly means.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Witness Identification in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery with homicide despite delayed witness identification, explaining why silence does not destroy credibility.
Due Process vs Economic Realities: Navigating Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action accrues and what valid termination requires under POEA-SEC.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Ensuring Transparency and Fairness in Government Procurement: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies procurement rules under RA 9184, distinguishing simple neglect from grave misconduct in public bidding.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why the Three-Witness Rule Matters
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed the three-witness rule, underscoring why chain of custody is vital.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizures: The Crucial Role of the Three Witness Rule in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Section 21 of RA 9165 requires three witnesses during drug inventory, even when serving a search warrant.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.