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.
Estate Tax in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Heirs and Beneficiaries
Learn the Philippine estate tax rules: the 6% rate, deductions, filing deadlines, exemptions, and penalties under the TRAIN Law.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
Unwritten Land Sales in the Philippines: When Possession and Improvements Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unwritten sale of land can be enforced, focusing on possession, improvements, and partial performance under Philippine law.
Double Sale in the Philippines: Good Faith and Due Diligence in Property Disputes
A buyer who fails to inspect the property before purchase cannot claim good faith in a double sale. The Supreme Court explains why.
Trafficking Conviction Upheld Despite Acquittal on Child Prostitution Charges
Supreme Court affirms trafficking conviction even where child prostitution charges fail for lack of proof of minority, clarifying key evidentiary rules.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
Oral Share Sale Agreements in the Philippines: Enforceability and Remedies After Breach
Learn when oral agreements to sell shares are enforceable in the Philippines, and the remedies available when a seller backs out.
Graft Conviction Overturned: Undue Injury and Burden of Proof Under RA 3019
When does a procurement violation become graft? The Supreme Court clarifies undue injury and the burden of proof under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When an Acquittal Can Be Overturned
Philippine law protects against double jeopardy, but an acquittal can be voided if the State's right to due process is violated. Learn the exception.
Human Trafficking Conviction Affirmed: Protecting Child Victims Under RA 9208
The Supreme Court affirms a cybersex trafficking conviction, reinforcing heightened legal protection for child victims under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Qualified Trafficking of a Minor: Key Lessons from People v. Cañas
A look at qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cañas means for child protection.
Case-Fixing in the Ombudsman: When Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal from Service
The Supreme Court affirms that case-fixing in the Ombudsman warrants dismissal, clarifying the standards of conduct for public servants.
Estafa Acquittal: Why a Faulty Information Violates Due Process in the Philippines
A flawed information can lead to acquittal in estafa cases. Learn how the right to be informed shapes criminal due process in the Philippines.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Civil Liability After Criminal Acquittal: What the Llonillo Case Means
Philippine law allows civil liability to survive a criminal acquittal. Learn the rules and the Supreme Court's ruling in Llonillo.
Qualified Rape vs. Statutory Rape: Supreme Court Clarifies Child Sexual Abuse Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper legal designation for child sexual abuse cases, distinguishing qualified rape from statutory rape under Philippine law.
Ghost Employees and Graft Liability: The Supreme Court’s Standard in People v. Reales
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in ghost employee corruption cases, protecting honest public officials from wrongful conviction.
When Can DAR Disqualify an Agrarian Reform Beneficiary? The Balucan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file to disqualify an agrarian reform beneficiary and why landowners are not real parties-in-interest.
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Possession of Fake Currency in the Philippines: Knowledge and Intent Under Article 168
Philippine law punishes possession of counterfeit currency only when knowledge and intent to use are proven. The Supreme Court clarifies this in a recent ruling.