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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Absolute Privilege in Quasi-Judicial Proceedings: The Arquiza Libel Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a party-list nominee of libel, extending absolute privilege to statements in COMELEC quasi-judicial petitions.
Franking Privilege Misuse: When Court Personnel Face Misconduct Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when misuse of the franking privilege constitutes simple misconduct for court personnel, with key lessons on official resources.
When Does a Right to Radio Frequencies Vest? The NOW Telecom Ruling
A legislative franchise does not guarantee radio frequencies. The Supreme Court explains why spectrum use is a privilege.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Protecting Privacy and Security: Understanding the Writ of Amparo in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that the writ of amparo protects families of suspected rebels from surveillance, upholding privacy and spousal privileges.
Attorney-Client Privilege: When Public Disclosure Crosses the Line in Legal Ethics
In-house counsel suspended for media disclosures. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of attorney-client privilege and confidentiality duties.
Firearm Regulation in the Philippines: The Right to Privacy vs. Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that firearm ownership is a privilege, not a right, but struck down warrantless home inspections as unconstitutional.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
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.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspension FOR Falsification AND Dishonesty
A lawyer's three-year suspension for falsifying land documents and evading disciplinary proceedings, affirming that practice of law is a privilege.
Surname Use for Illegitimate Children: What the Supreme Court Said in Gan v. Republic
The Supreme Court explains when an illegitimate child may use the father's surname, and why changing one's name is a privilege, not a right.
Civility and Candor: Disciplining Lawyers for Unfounded Accusations in Pleadings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that unfounded accusations in pleadings violate the Code of Professional Responsibility, even if privileged.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Corporate Powers and Member Discipline: When Can Associations Suspend Member Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may discipline members and suspend privileges without committing an ultra vires act.
The Fine Line When Excuses Don't Excuse Absence in Court
When does a valid excuse justify missing pre-trial? The Supreme Court clarifies when postponements are a privilege, not a right.
Sabbatical Leave and Abuse of Rights: Understanding Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sabbatical leave is a privilege, not a right, and explains when employer discretion amounts to abuse of rights.
Judicial Independence Retirement Benefits and the Scope of Fiscal Autonomy
The Supreme Court clarifies that judicial rank privileges include retirement pensions under RA 910, even for non-judge court officials.
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.
When Good Faith Can't Excuse Ignoring Red Flags in Government Projects
Supreme Court explains when courts can't stop government projects and why permits are privileges, not property rights.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
When Can Medical Records Be Subpoenaed? Patient Privacy Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when hospital records may be subpoenaed and how physician-patient privilege protects medical privacy in civil cases.
Extinguishment OF Criminal Liability Death Before Final Judgment AND THE Privileged Mitigating Circumstance OF Minority
Diplomatic Immunity vs Personal Accountability: The Limits of Privilege
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic immunity, privacy rights, and personal liability for damages under the Civil Code.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Reacquiring the Privilege to Practice Law After Regaining Philippine Citizenship
A Philippine lawyer who lost citizenship and reacquired it under R.A. 9225 must apply to resume practice—it is not automatic.