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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Power Wheeling and Open Access in the Philippines: A Guide for Industrial Customers
Power wheeling and open access in the Philippines let large electricity users choose their supplier and use transmission or distribution wires for a regulated fee.
Industrial Dispute Prevention in the Philippines: How Plants Avoid Labor Conflicts
Learn how Philippine manufacturing plants prevent industrial disputes through lawful employment practices, worker rights, and Labor Code compliance.
Industrial Estate or Economic Zone in the Philippines: How to Choose
Choosing an industrial estate or economic zone in the Philippines? Learn how PEZA-registered ECOZONES differ, the incentives, and the site criteria.
Intra-Corporate Dispute in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Remedies
An intra-corporate dispute in the Philippines falls under the Regional Trial Court, not the SEC. Learn what counts as an intra-corporate dispute and the remedies.
Air Quality Permit Philippines: How Industrial Firms Secure DENR Permits
Need an air quality permit in the Philippines? Learn how the Clean Air Act lets DENR issue permits for stationary sources and what industrial firms must do.
Enforcing a Foreign Arbitral Award in the Philippines: How It Works
Enforcing a foreign arbitral award in the Philippines means filing a petition with the Regional Trial Court under the New York Convention and RA 9285.
Permit to Operate Environmental Philippines: Air and Water Permits for Industrial Facilities
A permit to operate environmental Philippines facilities need starts with DENR permits under the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act. Here is the step-by-step path.
Industrial Land Acquisition in the Philippines for Foreign Companies: Rules and Structures
How foreign companies can acquire industrial land in the Philippines through PEZA ecozones, plus the ownership rules and structures that apply under Philippine law.
Court-Annexed Mediation in the Philippines: How It Works Under RA 9285
Court-annexed mediation in the Philippines lets a court-referred mediator help parties settle before trial. Learn how it works under RA 9285.
Environmental Permits for an Industrial Project in the Philippines: A DENR Guide
Learn the DENR environmental permits an industrial project in the Philippines needs, from the ECC under P.D. 1586 to air and water discharge permits.
How to File a Civil Case in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Overview
Learn how to file a civil case in the Philippines, from demand letters to trial, in this plain-language step-by-step guide.
Qualified Rape and Due Process: When "Niece" in the Information Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies that naming a victim as an During trial, AAA positively identified her maternal uncle as the perpetrator, narrating that he dragged her to a hut, undressed her, and inserte
When Can a Judge Be Disciplined for Rulings in a Criminal Case? Lessons from Bloomberry v. Luna
A look at when judges face discipline for trial rulings, witness disqualification, and courtroom conduct, citing the Supreme Court's 2024 ruling.
Preliminary Injunction vs Full Trial: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a preliminary injunction hearing is not a substitute for a full trial on the merits in property disputes.
Speedy Trial Rights When Prolonged Detention Justifies A Writ Of Habeas Corpus IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when prolonged detention violates speedy trial rights and justifies a writ of habeas corpus.
Estafa and Bouncing Checks: Understanding Penalties and Retroactivity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 10951's reduced estafa penalties apply retroactively and why a trial court erred in releasing a convict.
Navigating Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Understanding the Limits and Safeguards
The Supreme Court clarifies when plea bargaining is allowed in drug cases, the trial court's discretion, and the protection of double jeopardy.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When an Acquittal Becomes Final
Philippine law protects acquitted persons from retrial through double jeopardy. Learn the rule, its narrow exceptions, and key case law.
Red-Tagging and the Writ of Amparo: Protecting Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when red-tagging can justify a writ of amparo, reversing a trial court's outright dismissal of an activist's petition.
When Courts Can Overrule Prosecution Objections in Drug Case Plea Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, remanding cases for proper evaluation.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Can a Judge Overrule the Prosecution?
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may accept plea bargains in drug cases even over the prosecution's objection.
Supreme Court on Plea Bargaining: Courts May Overrule Prosecution's Objection in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts can allow plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, citing People v. Montierro.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
Docket Fees and Class Suits: When Philippine Courts Lack Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay docket fees and improper class suits deprive trial courts of jurisdiction over a case.