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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Total and Permanent Disability for Seafarers: The Teodoro Case
A seafarer with Grade 7 disability may still get total and permanent benefits if unfit for sea duty.
Understanding Gross Neglect of Duty: Losing Court Evidence in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court penalized court employees for gross neglect of duty after losing drug evidence in custody.
Understanding Accountability in Public Office: Lessons from Judicial Fund Mismanagement
A Supreme Court ruling on court fund shortages shows how public office demands accountability, and why delegation never excuses a clerk of court's duty.
Judicial Conduct and Mediation: When a Judge's Zeal to Settle Crosses the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's overzealous mediation efforts, ex parte meetings, and delay in settling a probate case.
Upholding Discretion When Appellate Procedure Meets Substantial Justice in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies RTC jurisdiction over injunction suits against government infrastructure projects despite procedural missteps.
Unclear Medical Assessments Protecting Seafarers Rights TO Disability Benefits
A company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total permanent disability benefits, the Supreme Court ruled.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Location, Titles, and Escrow When LGUs Compete
When two LGUs claim the same property for real estate tax, who gets paid? The Supreme Court's answer in Municipality of Cainta v. Spouses Braña.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
When an Implied Lease Renewal Does Not Revive a Right of First Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an implied lease renewal does not automatically revive a lessee's right of first refusal.
Government Infrastructure Projects and Injunction Bans: What Landowners Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies when RTCs can hear injunction cases against government infrastructure projects despite RA 8975 prohibitions.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect where police broke the chain of custody—a reminder that evidence integrity is paramount.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
Understanding Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Insights from a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies self-defense, defense of a relative, and treachery in murder cases under Philippine law.
Real Estate Broker's Commission: Procuring Cause Prevails Even After Authority Expires
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commission as procuring cause even if authority expired before deal closed. Learn the rule.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
Administrative Dishonesty: Penalties and Due Process in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court defines gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in administrative cases.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Crucial Role of Witnesses and Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect, stressing that third-party witnesses must be present during arrest and seizure, not just inventory.
CSC Contempt Fines and Compliance with Orders: The Eusebio Case
The Supreme Court reinstated a P416,000 contempt fine against a mayor who defied CSC reinstatement orders, affirming the CSC's power to impose daily fines.
When Family Ties and Fair Proceedings Collide: Lessons from Soliva v. Tanggol
The Supreme Court clarifies when family relations disqualify judges and how administrative due process works in Soliva v. Tanggol.
Lawyers Must Uphold Ethics and Advise Clients on Proper Legal Remedies
A lawyer's duty to zealously defend a client does not justify bypassing courts, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
Understanding Robbery With Rape Legal Insights AND Victims Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn about robbery with rape in the Philippines, including legal definitions, penalties, and victims' rights under Philippine law.
Judicial Fiscal Autonomy Reaffirmed in Supreme Court Ruling on Travel Expenses
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy by approving PHILJA's payment of training expenses, reinforcing judicial independence.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: Lessons from a Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer's failure to account for client funds and neglect of cases leads to a two-year suspension, reaffirming core ethical duties.