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.
Co-Owner Redemption: When Written Notice Can Be Dispensed With
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's right of legal redemption is barred despite absence of written notice under Article 1623.
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.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When a Late or Vague Medical Assessment Means Automatic Total Disability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's incomplete or late medical assessment entitles a seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Abandonment, Infidelity, and the Cabutaje Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for psychological incapacity in the Cabutaje case, addressing abandonment, infidelity, and expert testimony.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: The Sore-Romano Disbarment Case Explained
A lawyer suspended five years for negligence, dishonesty, and IBP defiance—what this means for clients and the legal profession.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
Psychological Incapacity After Marriage: The Boado Ruling on Article 36 Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies when psychological incapacity can void a marriage, even if it manifests years after the wedding ceremony.
Party List Nominee Substitution Rules: Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The Supreme Court clarifies post-election party-list nominee substitution rules, emphasizing mandatory deadlines and the electorate's right to choose.
When Can You Amend a Labor Complaint? NLRC Rules Explained
Learn the strict NLRC rule on amending labor complaints before the position paper, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Litigation of Attorney Misconduct in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a second disbarment case against a lawyer for the same misconduct, and the fine imposed for procedural defiance.
VAT Refund Timelines: Supreme Court Clarifies the 120-Day Rule in Dohle Shipmanagement
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 120-day VAT refund period starts, giving taxpayers control over the timeline for judicial claims.
Marital Infidelity and Psychological Violence: Understanding RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when marital infidelity becomes psychological violence under RA 9262, and whether a psychological report is required for conviction.
Presidential Approval Required for PCAB Rules: Cooperative Licensing Case
Supreme Court ruling: PCAB regulations on contractor licensing need presidential approval, protecting construction cooperatives from forced incorporation.
Premarital Pregnancy and Employee Rights: Illegal Suspension in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules suspending a teacher for premarital pregnancy is illegal; secular morality governs employment discipline in the Philippines.
Renewable Energy VAT Refunds: What Hedcor v. CIR Means for Philippine Developers
The Supreme Court clarifies when renewable energy developers can claim VAT refunds under of the NIRC versus seeking reimbursement from suppliers.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Liability in Disallowed Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court held BAC members liable for flawed procurement, and how to avoid audit disallowances.
Protecting Installment Buyers Understanding Rescission Rights Under THE Maceda LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict notarial and grace period requirements for canceling installment contracts under the Maceda Law.
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.
Consortium Requirement in Subtransmission Asset Acquisition: A Philippine Power Industry Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies mandatory consortium requirement under EPIRA Section 8 for subtransmission asset acquisition by distribution utilities.
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.
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.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
Alias Writs of Execution: When Can a Second Debt Collection Attempt Be Stopped?
Learn the rules on alias writs of execution in the Philippines, the limited grounds to oppose them, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.