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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Deceptive Imitation: Unfair Competition Claims Without Trademark Registration
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld an unfair competition claim against sellers of counterfeit medicated oil, even without trademark registration.
Customs Authority Prevails Jurisdiction Over Goods IN THE Subic Freeport Zone
Supreme Court affirms Bureau of Customs' exclusive jurisdiction over seizure cases in the Subic Freeport Zone.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
No Certificate, No Appeal: Strict Rule on Non-Forum Shopping in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a certificate of non-forum shopping is mandatory for NLRC appeals, and procedural rules will not be relaxed for unmeritorious claims.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Duties in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is legitimate, not labor-only, and who bears employer responsibilities in illegal dismissal cases.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Electoral Law: Defining Prohibited Personnel Actions During Election Periods
Supreme Court clarifies that not every personnel movement during election period is a prohibited transfer or detail under election law.
Attorneys Fees and Ethical Boundaries: When Interest Stipulations Fail in Philippine Loan Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on written interest stipulations, unconscionable rates, and borrower protections under Civil Code Article 1956.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict for rape, even if the victim was unconscious during the act.
Just Compensation for Expropriated Property: Value at Taking, Not Later Filing
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for expropriated property is based on value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages case.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Value Is Fixed at the Time of Taking
Explains the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation in expropriation is based on property value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages suit.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Unfair Competition Copying and Employee Recruitment As Unjust Business Practices
When does copying a rival's products and hiring its employees become unfair competition under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Service Contracts
When does a worker become regular despite project-based contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure.
Freedom of Speech vs Fair Elections: Balancing Airtime Limits in Political Ads
Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC's aggregate airtime limits for political ads, balancing free speech and fair elections.
Grade Tampering as Serious Misconduct: Lessons from the Letran Teacher Dismissal Case
When a teacher altered student grades, the Supreme Court ruled it was serious misconduct justifying dismissal under the Labor Code.
Dismissal of Administrative Charges Against Judge Madrona: Errors in Judicial Functions Are Not Grounds for Di
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative charges against Judge Madrona, ruling that errors in judicial functions are correctible through appeal, not discipline.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
Tax Exemption and Franchise Rights: Philippine Airlines' Victory on Excise Taxes
The Supreme Court affirms PAL's excise tax exemption on commissary imports under PD 1590, explaining franchise tax rules.
Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.
Voting Rights of Sequestered Shares: Balancing Government Oversight and Corporate Governance
The Supreme Court clarifies the voting rights of sequestered shares under the Presidential Commission on Good Government's oversight.
Kidnapping for Ransom: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction and Apportions Liability Between Principal and Accompl
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between principal and accomplice in kidnapping for ransom, and how damages are shared.
The Weight of Silence: Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping for Ransom
When does silence and serving food make someone an accomplice to kidnapping for ransom? The Supreme Court explains.