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: Rate, Deadlines, and How to Settle an Estate
Learn the estate tax Philippines rate, who pays it, and the steps to file and settle a decedent's estate under the TRAIN Law.
Conjugal vs. Exclusive Property in the Philippines: What Belongs to Whom
Learn the difference between conjugal and exclusive property in the Philippines, and how ownership is determined under Philippine law.
COA Authority to Disallow Benefits Without Presidential Approval: PhilHealth Case
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow PhilHealth benefits lacking presidential approval, but allows longevity pay under RA 11223.
Interest on Overdue Accounts: Clarifying the Scope of Legal Interest and Unconscionability in Sales of Goods
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to stipulated interest and how courts determine unconscionable rates in sales transactions.
Breach of Promise to Marry: Good Faith as a Prerequisite for Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a party acting in bad faith cannot recover damages for breach of promise to marry.
Breach of Promise to Marry Not Actionable: Guevarra v. Banach and the Limits of Damages
The Supreme Court clarifies that a breach of promise to marry is not actionable, and a gift given in contemplation of marriage need not be returned when the giver acted in bad faith.
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Conduct in Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DENR officials for soliciting money under R.A. 6713, reaffirming strict ethical standards for public servants.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: A Guide
A guide to psychological incapacity as a ground for marriage nullity in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Silva v. De Silva.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.
Understanding Gross Misconduct: Court Employee's Handling of Bail Money
Court process server found guilty of gross misconduct for receiving bail money from litigants. Learn the rules and penalties.
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.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment Insights From A Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of workplace sexual harassment under RA 7877, emphasizing abuse of power by superiors over subordinates.
Rape Convictions and Victim Testimony: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and why the sweetheart defense and alibi fail against clear testimony.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Upholding Company No-Gift Policies: Employee Dismissal and Management Prerogative
Supreme Court upholds dismissal of employee who accepted gifts in violation of company's no-gift policy, affirming management prerogative.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Relief From Accountability: Proving Diligence in Handling Public Funds Despite Loss
When can an accountable officer be relieved from liability for lost public funds? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence in Callang v. COA.
Receiving Money from Bondsmen Is Grave Misconduct for Court Personnel
Court employees cannot receive money from litigants, even as voluntary "token" gifts. The Supreme Court explains why in Perez v. Roxas.
Grave Misconduct in Government Service: When Dismissal Is the Only Penalty
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of immigration officer for extortion and grave misconduct, ruling first offense cannot mitigate penalty.
Sheriff's Suspension for Handling Litigant's Money: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
A sheriff's attempt to pass a litigant's P7,500 to a prosecutor was grave misconduct. The Court explains why court personnel must never handle litigants' money.
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.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.