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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Surname Disputes: Why Proper Filiation Matters in Civil Registry Corrections
Correcting a surname in the civil registry is not always clerical. Learn why filiation and procedure matter under Rule 108.
Illegitimate Children’s Rights: Mother’s Surname and Parental Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegitimate children use their mother’s surname and are under her sole parental authority, voiding a father’s unilateral birth registration.
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.
Children's Surnames: Illegitimate Child's Right to Choose After Father's Recognition
Supreme Court rules an acknowledged illegitimate child may choose whether to use the father's surname; the father cannot compel it.
Suffrage and Procedure: Upholding the Electorate’s Will Despite Technicalities in Election Protests
The Supreme Court ruled that votes for a nuisance candidate with a similar surname must be counted for the bona fide candidate, protecting voter intent.
Changing Your Child's Last Name in the Philippines: Legal Process and Parental Rights
Learn the legal process for changing a child's surname in the Philippines, including Rule 103 requirements and parental rights under the Family Code.
Illegitimate Children's Rights: Citizenship and Surname Use Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegitimate children of Filipino mothers are Filipino citizens at birth and may continue using their father's surname.
Surname Use in Philippine Elections: When It Is Not a Material Misrepresentation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when using a surname in a certificate of candidacy is not a material misrepresentation under election law.
Surname of Illegitimate Children: Mothers Right Prevails Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules illegitimate children must use their mother's surname, even when the father admits paternity.