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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Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Evolution of Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape, clarifying how Philippine law protects minors and how penalties evolved under RA 8353.
Ombudsman’s Discretion vs Due Process: Balancing Preventive Suspension With Individual Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on preventive suspension, due process, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion in administrative cases.
Foreclosure on Agrarian Land: Landowner Rights and SAC Jurisdiction Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can claim just compensation and the limits of Special Agrarian Court jurisdiction over foreclosed agrarian properties.
Constructive Dismissal: When Unpaid Wages Force an Employee to Resign
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, unpaid wages, and when resignation is actually illegal dismissal.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Deadlines and Invoice Requirements Under Philippine Tax Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in CIR v. Silicon Philippines clarifies the mandatory 120+30 day prescriptive periods for VAT refund claims and invoice requirements.
Constructive Dismissal: When Forced Resignation and Unpaid Wages Become Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal when an employer withholds work assignments to force resignation, and procedural rules that protect labor.
Dangerous Drugs Act: Why Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165 safeguards.
Continuing Suretyship in the Philippines: Liability for Future Debts Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a surety's liability for future debts under a Continuing Suretyship, and when courts may reduce attorney's fees.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process in Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability shows how administrative efficiency must yield to due process and evidence-based discipline.
Accountability in Public Spending: Limits on Extraordinary Expenses for Government Officials
Supreme Court ruling on TESDA's disallowed extraordinary expenses clarifies limits on government officials' EME and refund liability.
Property Disputes: Jurisdiction and Estoppel in Free Patent Repurchase Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on RTC jurisdiction over free patent repurchase actions and the principle of jurisdiction by estoppel.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Land Titling Case for Five Years
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's land titling case for five years, violating Canons 17 and 18 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Client Neglect and Conflict of Interest: Attorney Suspended for Six Months
Philippine Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for neglecting a client's land titling case and appearing against the client without consent.
Medical Negligence: Establishing the Standard of Care in Anesthesia
The Supreme Court clarifies when res ipsa loquitur applies in medical negligence cases and why expert testimony on the standard of care remains essential.
Chain of Custody and Reasonable Doubt: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody rule under RA 9165.
FDA Authority Upheld: Validity of Bioavailability Testing Circulars for Drug Registration
Supreme Court affirms FDA's power to issue BA/BE testing circulars for drug registration, clarifying administrative rule-making authority.
When a Case Becomes Moot: The Peñafrancia Sugar Mill Ruling on Forum-Shopping
The Supreme Court dismisses Peñafrancia Sugar Mill's petition as moot after the SRA revoked the assailed sugar orders, explaining when courts abstain from deciding.
PLDT Network Integrity: Defining Theft in Telecommunications Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether ISR network fraud constitutes theft under the Revised Penal Code, and search warrant standards.
Possession Is Key: Unpaid Trust Certificates and Bank Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a bank client holding original unpaid trust certificates can enforce payment, even years after maturity.
Perfecting Land Titles: The Imperative of Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945
Learn the strict requirements for land registration in the Philippines, including proving possession since June 12, 1945, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Can a Property Buyer Be Liable in a Forcible Entry Case?
The Supreme Court rules that a subsequent buyer of property cannot be held liable for nominal damages unless it violated the plaintiff's rights.
Just Compensation Required When Government Takes Private Property for Roads
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private property taken for road widening, not demand donation under PD 1529.
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use Even If Initially Reserved for R
Supreme Court rules government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner initially reserved it for road widening.
Just Compensation Prevails: Government Must Pay for Land Taken for Public Use
Supreme Court rules the government must pay just compensation for private land taken for public roads, even if the owner subdivided it.