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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PAGCOR Gaming Site Regulatory Manual: Bingo and Electronic Games Compliance
The PAGCOR Gaming Site Regulatory Manual governs bingo and electronic games operations. Learn what the GSRM requires of gaming site operators.
E-Billiards in the Philippines: PAGCOR's Regulatory Framework Explained
Electronic billiards in the Philippines is regulated by PAGCOR's E-Billiards framework, which licenses operators, accredits leagues, and registers billiard halls.
The E-Commerce Act (R.A. 8792) in the Philippines, Explained
Understand R.A. 8792, the Philippine E-Commerce Act: legal recognition of electronic documents, signatures, and contracts under Philippine law.
PAGCOR Guidelines on Multi-Currency Electronic Gaming Machines Explained
Learn how PAGCOR's multi-currency electronic gaming machines guidelines work, including BSP rates, acceptable currencies, and daily FX updates for licensees.
Digital Signatures and E-Signatures in the Philippines: Legal Validity
Understand the legal validity of digital and electronic signatures in the Philippines under the E-Commerce Act (RA 8792), including requirements and evidentiary rules.
PAGCOR-Approved Electronic Games: How the EGLD List Works
The PAGCOR-approved electronic games EGLD list is maintained by the Electronic Gaming Licensing Department and posted on PAGCOR's regulatory page.
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.
VAT Refund Timelines: Supreme Court Clarifies the 120-Day Rule in Dohle Shipmanagement
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 120-day VAT refund period starts, giving taxpayers control over the timeline for judicial claims.
Election Gun Ban and Retroactivity: The Bargado Case Explained
Can a postponed election erase a gun ban violation? The Supreme Court's Bargado ruling explains retroactivity in Philippine election law.
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.
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.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "freelancer" is really a regular employee under Philippine labor law, using the control test.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
Protection Orders and Jurisdiction: When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's TRO errors are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Retroactive Application of Psychological Incapacity: Balancing Marital Sanctity and Individual Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that Article 36 of the Family Code applies retroactively to marriages before 1988, but proof of psychological incapacity remains stringent.
Cyber Libel and Retroactivity: When Facebook Posts Escape Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that pre-2012 Facebook posts cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel under the Revised Penal Code.
Cyber Libel Retroactivity: When Online Posts Before RA 10175 Are Not Punishable
The Supreme Court clarifies that Facebook posts made before the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel.
Retroactivity of Tax Rulings Clarifying Documentary Stamp Tax on Intercompany Advances
Supreme Court clarifies when tax rulings apply retroactively, affecting documentary stamp tax on intercompany advances and refund claims.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Unconstitutional Bargain: State Control Over Natural Resources in Philippine Seas
The Supreme Court struck down the JMSU as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exploration of the country's natural resources must remain under full State control.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Compliance with RA 26 Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance is not enough when petitioning for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Judicial Discretion vs. Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: The Trocio Case on Child Abuse
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct under RA 7610, holding a doctor liable for abusing a minor patient.