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.
Barangay Conciliation in the Philippines: When It's Required Before Filing a Case
Learn when barangay conciliation is required in the Philippines before filing a case in court, plus the exceptions and process under the law.
OFW Employment Contract Philippines: POEA Rules and Standard Terms Explained
Understand the OFW employment contract Philippines POEA rules require, including standard terms, illegal recruitment, and worker protections under Philippine law.
When Tax Assessments Are Not Required: Civil Liability in Philippine Tax Evasion Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a formal BIR tax assessment is not required to hold taxpayers civilly liable in criminal tax evasion cases.
Winning the Lottery Without a Ticket: Contract Law and Games of Chance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a damaged lotto ticket doesn't bar winning the jackpot if the bettor proves selecting the winning combination.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
Legal Redemption in the Philippines: Timely Action, Actual Notice, and the Power of Waiver
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies legal redemption rules: actual notice, 30-day period, and when failure to consign the price may be waived.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: Scope and Limits Under Section 13 of R.A. 3019
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials may be preventively suspended pending trial, including for offenses under R.A. 6713 involving fraud upon government funds.
The Prosecutor's Consent in Plea Bargaining: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a prosecutor's consent is indispensable for a valid plea bargain in drugs cases.
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.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court’s Stand on Prosecution Consent
A guilty plea to a lesser drug offense needs the prosecutor’s consent. Learn the rules and what the Court said in People v. Reafor.
Understanding Theft in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at how the Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining rules in drug cases and what this means for criminal procedure in the Philippines.
When Property Disputes Must First Go to Barangay Conciliation: Ngo v. Gabelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure to undergo barangay conciliation makes a property case dismissible, and why courts cannot simply suspend proceedings to cure the defect.
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.
When an Implied Lease Renewal Does Not Revive a Right of First Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an implied lease renewal does not automatically revive a lessee's right of first refusal.
Limits of Post-Judgment Examination: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Execution
Third-party claimants can vindicate ownership of levied property through independent actions without being penalized for exercising their right to litigate.
Prolonged Preliminary Investigation and Speedy Disposition: What the Supreme Court Said
A dismissed criminal case for failure to prosecute raises the question: when does delay violate the right to speedy disposition of cases?
Clean Water Mandate: Water Concessionaires Held Liable for Manila Bay Pollution
Supreme Court affirms fines against MWSS, Maynilad, and Manila Water for failing to connect sewage lines within five years under the Clean Water Act.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Divorce Abroad: Clarifying the Scope of Recognition and Remarriage for Filipinos
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce decree is recognized in the Philippines and how a Filipino spouse may remarry.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Strict Compliance With Post-Employment Medical Exam
Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers who fail the 3-day post-employment medical exam rule forfeit disability benefits, even if illness is work-related.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Government Delay Forfeits Expropriation Rights
The Supreme Court rules that the government's failure to pay just compensation for over 30 years bars its claim to expropriated property.
Ancestral Land Disputes Reasserting Court Jurisdiction Over Indigenous Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction over ancestral land disputes, reaffirming Lim v. Gamosa and the rule on first-filed cases.
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.