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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Media Practitioners and Election Law: Balancing Free Speech with Fair Elections
The Supreme Court affirms a radio commentator-candidate's conviction for violating election rules on media practitioners during the campaign period.
Election Propaganda on Private Property: COMELEC's Power to Regulate Free Speech
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC may regulate privately-owned election materials, balancing free speech with election regulation.
Social Media Conduct AND Lawyer Ethics Balancing Free Speech AND Professional Responsibility
SC rules lawyers' social media posts, even in private accounts, are subject to disciplinary action under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Social Media Misconduct and Attorney Disbarment: Balancing Free Speech and Professional Ethics
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for posting a draft plunder complaint on Facebook, ruling that free expression does not justify violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences for Disregarding Court Directives
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the overseas partisan political activity ban and its implications for free speech.
Libel and Damages: Balancing Free Speech and Reputation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's Guy v. Tulfo ruling clarifies when journalists may be liable for libel and how courts compute damages for reputational harm.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Defamation and Free Speech: Balancing Criticism and Accountability in Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when statements in legal pleadings lose privileged communication protection and become libelous.
Beyond Words: The Limits of Free Speech in Workplace Dismissal Cases
When does an employee's insulting remark justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between serious misconduct and a momentary lapse.
Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.
From Grave to Slight: Oral Defamation and Free Speech in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words rise to grave or slight oral defamation, balancing free speech with protecting reputation.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: When Does an Insult Become Defamation
The Supreme Court explains the line between insult, criticism, and oral defamation in De Leon v. People.
Free Speech on Wheels: When Campaigning Rights Meet Public Utility Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down COMELEC's ban on campaign materials in PUVs and terminals, affirming free speech rights of owners.
Transparency in Election Surveys: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to require disclosure of election survey funders, including subscribers, under the Fair Election Act.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Freedom of Speech vs Fair Elections: Balancing Airtime Limits in Political Ads
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC's aggregate airtime limits for political ads, balancing free speech and fair elections.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.
Words Matter: Simple Misconduct and the Limits of Free Speech for Public Servants
A Sandiganbayan security guard's vulgar outburst at co-workers was simple misconduct, not grave. The ruling clarifies free speech limits for public servants.
Upholding Judicial Dignity: Balancing Free Speech and Respect for Courts in Legal Commentary
How the Supreme Court disciplined UP Law professors for intemperate statements, balancing lawyers' free speech with their duty to uphold judicial dignity.
Upholding Judicial Integrity Balancing Free Speech AND Respect FOR THE Courts IN THE Philippines
Free Speech vs Child Protection: MTRCB's Power to Suspend TV Programs
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allowed MTRCB to suspend a TV program for violating its G-rating with vulgar language, balancing free speech and child protection.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Contempt and Ethics in Legal Practice: The Ilusorio Case on Free Speech Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism becomes contempt and when a lawyer's conduct warrants suspension in Ilusorio v. Ilusorio.