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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Disputed Inheritance: Proving Ownership in Land Claims After a Family Fallout
A Supreme Court ruling on proving land ownership in family disputes, where a photocopied title and bare claims failed against a registered certificate of title.
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.
Rape and Adoption: When Retroactive Laws Cannot Elevate a Conviction
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why a 2012 rape involving an adopted child could not be elevated to qualified rape under a later law.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Quo Warranto in the Philippines: Challenging an Official's Right to Hold Office
Learn how quo warranto actions challenge an elected official's qualifications in the Philippines, including deadlines, venues, and key Supreme Court rulings.
Judicial Immunity: Administrative Complaints Cannot Substitute Judicial Remedies
Administrative complaints cannot substitute judicial remedies against judges. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling on judicial immunity.
Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Property Rights Explained
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of condominium units or parking slots can challenge a writ of possession issued after foreclosure.
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.
Using an Alias in the Philippines: When It Becomes a Crime and the Pequero Case
Using a name different from your registered birth name can be a crime. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Land Rights After Incomplete Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on expropriation, just compensation, and landowner rights when government fails to pay.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Liability and Worker Rights
Understand labor-only contracting in the Philippines, when a principal becomes the true employer, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Floating Status in Philippine Labor Law: When Suspension Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when an employee's floating status becomes illegal dismissal under Philippine law, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Solidary Liability in Construction Contracts: When LWUA Shares Responsibility
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when LWUA can be held solidarily liable with water districts for construction contract obligations.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Legal Remedies
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, its penalties, and how victims can seek justice, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Filiation for Inheritance: Delayed Birth Registration in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how delayed birth registrations and other evidence establish filiation for inheritance claims in the Philippines.
Rape vs. Sexual Abuse: When Force and Lack of Consent Elevates a Crime
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sexual acts with a minor constitute rape under the Revised Penal Code rather than sexual abuse under R.A. 7610.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ Execution: Avoiding Neglect and Misconduct
A sheriff who delays writ execution and receives litigant money faces administrative liability, as shown in this 2024 Supreme Court ruling.