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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Correcting Election Errors Ensuring Accurate Vote Canvassing IN THE Philippines
Pledge vs. Corporate By-Laws: Who Wins in Stock Ownership Disputes?
A bank's pledged shares were sold by a club for unpaid dues. The Supreme Court ruled on who prevails.
When Is Mere Association Not Enough in Philippine Drug Cases? A Guide to Conspiracy
Understand when Philippine courts find conspiracy in drug cases and why mere association or presence is not enough for conviction.
Rape of a Minor by a Parent: Credibility and Defenses in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts assess a child victim's testimony in incestuous rape cases and why minor inconsistencies do not destroy credibility.
Separation Pay in the Philippines: When Is It Required?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when separation pay is legally required—and when it is not—in this plain-language guide to labor law.
Jurisdiction and Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches when a party attacks jurisdiction in a case not on appeal.
When Is a Legislative Franchise Required for Philippine Air Transport Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a legislative franchise is needed to operate domestic air services in the Philippines.
Accomplice Liability in Robbery: The Limits of Conspiracy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a getaway driver and lookout are accomplices, not conspirators, in robbery cases.
Accomplice Liability: How Participation Level Determines Criminal Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a participant in a crime is an accomplice, not a principal, and how courts determine the proper penalty.
Self-Defense Claims in Parricide and Rape Cases: What the Supreme Court Says
A father convicted of raping his daughter claimed self-defense. The Supreme Court explains why this defense fails in parricide and rape cases.
Election Result Errors Can Comelec Correct Proclaimed Winners
When can Comelec correct election results after a proclamation? The Supreme Court explains in Torres v. Comelec.
Bouncing Checks Law: Corporate Officers Personally Liable for Signed Checks
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on BP 22: corporate officers who sign bouncing checks face personal criminal liability, even if signed in blank.
Proper Service OF Court Notices Protecting Your Right TO Appeal
Election Protest Filing Fees: When Incomplete Payment Won't Get Your Case Dismissed
Learn when an incomplete election protest filing fee won't get your case dismissed, and the rules on paying deficiencies.
When Can a Judge Be Held Liable for Taking Bribes: A Philippine Case Study
A Supreme Court ruling on judicial misconduct shows when a judge can be dismissed for bribery and corrupt practices.
Back Taxes on Undeclared Improvements: What "Declared for the First Time" Means
The Supreme Court explains when local assessors may impose back taxes on previously undeclared building improvements under PD 464.
Sheriffs' Duty in Executing Writs of Attachment: Lessons from NBI v. Tuliao
A sheriff who leaves attached property with the debtor or creditor violates Rule 57. Learn the proper way to execute writs of attachment.
The Weight of a Sheriff's Duty: Liability for Failing to Execute Court Orders
When a sheriff fails to take custody of attached property, the consequences are serious. This case explains the liability.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Delay Justice: Lessons from Navarro v. Del Rosario
When a judge refuses to decide a case for years, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on judicial delay and accountability.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that a six-year delay by the Ombudsman in resolving complaints violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Ensuring Validity and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the strict requirements for judicial reconstitution of lost land titles under R.A. 26 and why non-compliance voids the proceedings.
Can Corporations Hire Optometrists? The Corporate Practice of Professions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether corporations may employ optometrists, and the limits of the corporate practice of professions doctrine.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Negligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence as a just cause for dismissal, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Combating Land Title Fraud: Reopening Decrees and Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that reconstituted titles obtained through fraudulent or defective proceedings are void and cannot defeat actual possession.