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.
Starting a Business in the Philippines with a Foreign Partner: Legal Structures and Ownership Rules
A practical guide to foreign ownership rules, business structures, and registration steps for Filipino-foreign ventures in the Philippines.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language and Disrespect for Legal Processes
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for urging police to shoot her nephew and using intemperate language in pleadings—a reminder of ethical limits.
Dual Citizenship and Philippine Law Practice: What Lawyers Must Know
How dual citizenship affects a Philippine law license, and the Supreme Court steps to keep practicing under RA 9225.
Deportation and Undesirability in the Philippines: Exhausting Administrative Remedies First
The Supreme Court explains why a foreign national facing deportation must exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial relief.
Unexplained Wealth and SALN Dishonesty: When Assets in Children's Names Count
Explains when hidden assets in children's names count as SALN dishonesty and why grave misconduct requires a direct link to official duties.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Consequences for False Certifications in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer permanently barred from notarial commission for notarizing without the party's presence, and what it means for notaries.
Notarial Duty Ensuring Personal Appearance In Document Acknowledgment
A notary public must require personal appearance of signatories before notarizing documents. Learn the legal consequences of violating this duty.
Lawyer Convicted of Direct Bribery: Acejas III vs. People and the Ethics of Representation
The Supreme Court convicted lawyer Francisco Acejas III of direct bribery for conspiring with a public officer to extort money — a warning to all legal professionals.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.
Habeas Corpus Appeals in the Philippines: The 15-Day Rule Explained
The Supreme Court confirmed that habeas corpus appeals now follow the 15-day period under the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure, replacing the old 48-hour rule.
Dual Citizenship and Election in the Philippines: Clarifying Qualifications for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when dual citizenship disqualifies a candidate and how filing a certificate of candidacy can cure it.