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.
How to Transfer Shares of a Philippine Corporation
Learn the steps to transfer shares of a Philippine corporation, including the required documents, corporate approval, and SEC filing rules.
How to File a Small Claims Case in the Philippines
Step-by-step guide on how to file a small claims case in the Philippines for money owed, with practical tips for first-time litigants.
Barangay Conciliation in the Philippines: When It's Required Before Filing a Case
Learn when barangay conciliation is required in the Philippines before filing a case in court, plus the exceptions and process under the law.
Preliminary Investigation in the Philippines: What It Is and How It Works
Learn the preliminary investigation procedure in the Philippines—what it is, how it works, and what to expect during a criminal complaint.
Appeal to Supreme Court Philippines: Rules, Process, and What to Expect
Learn the rules for an appeal to the Supreme Court of the Philippines, including what cases qualify, the petition process, and practical steps.
OFW Rights in the Philippines: Legal Protections Under the Migrant Workers Act
Know your OFW rights in the Philippines under the Migrant Workers Act, including legal assistance, money claims, and protection from illegal recruitment.
Software License Agreement Philippines: Key Clauses to Include
Learn the key clauses a software license agreement in the Philippines must have, based on Civil Code rules on contracts and obligations.
PAGCOR License Requirements in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn the PAGCOR license requirements in the Philippines, the application process, and what gaming operators must know under the PAGCOR Charter.
How to Get an E-Games License in the Philippines from PAGCOR
Learn how to get an e-games license in the Philippines from PAGCOR, including the legal basis, scope, and key steps for applicants.
When an Appeal Is Dismissed for Late Brief: The Licup Ruling on Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court nullified the CA's dismissal of an appeal due to a late brief, citing substantial justice and liberty interests.
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.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
When a Lawyer’s Personal Debt Isn’t Professional Misconduct: Palaganas v. Panganiban
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative cases against lawyers are for professional misconduct, not debt collection, in Palaganas v. Panganiban.
Chain of Custody Failures and Election Weapon Bans: Acquittal in People v. Ildefonso
How broken drug evidence chains lead to acquittal and why carrying bladed weapons during elections may not be an offense.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
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.
Unwarranted Benefits Local Officials Liability FOR Illegal Insurance Agreements IN Pagsanjan
Supreme Court clarifies liability under Section 3(e) for mayors and councilors in illegal insurance contracts without public bidding.
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.
When Courts Relax the Rules: Attorney Negligence and Due Process in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to protect workers' right to due process despite counsel's negligence.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Grave Misconduct and the Limits of Good Faith in Public Service Procurement
Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from grave misconduct in government procurement and acceptance of goods.
Election Law Disqualification for Illegal Use of Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how a final conviction with perpetual disqualification can cancel a candidacy, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Bill Deposits and Consumer Rights: What the Supreme Court Said in Colmenares v. ERC
The Supreme Court upheld bill deposits as valid but dismissed the challenge on procedural grounds. Here's what consumers should know.