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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Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Philippine Mining Disputes: DENR Jurisdiction vs. Court Authority
When do Philippine courts, not the DENR, decide mining contract disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary in Asaphil v. Tuason.
Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines: When Reimbursement Does Not Erase Liability
Failure to liquidate public funds can lead to malversation conviction even if the amount is later reimbursed. Learn the rules and key lessons from a Supreme Court case.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction: The Sun Insurance Doctrine Explained
Learn how the Sun Insurance doctrine clarifies when deficient docket fees affect court jurisdiction, and when they merely create a lien on the judgment.
Beyond the Case Title: Why Complaint Allegations Dictate Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a case is for ejectment or collection of sum of money.
Navigating Philippine Warrants of Arrest: When Can a Court Act on Your Motion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can act on motions to quash warrants of arrest, distinguishing custody of law from jurisdiction over the person.
Conflict of Interest and Private Practice: Lessons from Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's past ties create a conflict and why government prosecutors cannot practice privately.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Ejectment Actions and Agrarian Reform: When a Notice of Coverage Does Not Halt Eviction
A Notice of Coverage under agrarian reform does not automatically stop an ejectment case. Learn the rule from Pasco v. Pison-Arceo.
Gocc Labor Disputes: Jurisdiction and Corporate Veil in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving voluntary resignation, burden of proof, and corporate liability.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Default Doesn't Mean Victory: Why Plaintiffs Still Need Evidence in Philippine Courts
A default order doesn't guarantee a win. Philippine courts still require plaintiffs to prove their case by preponderance of evidence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Labor Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employer-employee relationship is jurisdictional in illegal dismissal cases and when corporate officers can be held liable.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandled Evidence Can Undermine Drug Cases in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how poor court records management delays justice, and why drug cases demand stricter handling of evidence and dockets.
Philippine Election Law: When COMELEC Loses Jurisdiction to the HRET After Proclamation
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Planas v. COMELEC on when a candidate's proclamation divests COMELEC of jurisdiction in favor of the HRET.
Navigating DOLE Inspections: Employer Rights and Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies employer rights and obligations during DOLE labor inspections, emphasizing compliance, due process, and the Regional Director's jurisdiction.
Receivers' Duty to Preserve Sequestered Assets: Lessons from Republic v. Benedicto
When the PCGG sequestered Benedicto's golf club shares, unpaid dues led to their auction. The Court ruled receivers must preserve asset value.
Concurrent Jurisdiction IN Habeas Corpus Protecting Minors Welfare Beyond Territorial Limits
Forcible Entry vs Recovery of Ownership: Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is forcible entry (MTC jurisdiction) or recovery of ownership (RTC jurisdiction).
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction and Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes and what evidence proves tenancy and ownership rights.
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Retrenchment in Philippine Labor Law: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for valid retrenchment and redundancy, and the consequences of bad-faith dismissals.