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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When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Balancing Fidelity and Moral Conduct: Attorney Discipline for Extramarital Affairs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality in an extramarital affair, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for the bar.
Lawyer Misconduct When Dishonesty Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who issues worthless checks and reneges on obligations may face disbarment, especially if a repeat offender.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in Philippine Courts? The Monsanto Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation can sue in the Philippines, focusing on transactions through local indentors.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: When Bad Faith Defeats First-to-File
Prior use can defeat a first-to-file trademark application if the applicant acted in bad faith. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Prejudicial Question in the Philippines: Suspension, Not Dismissal, of Criminal Cases
A prejudicial question suspends, not dismisses, a criminal case. Learn the rule from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A look at Sermona v. Hacienda Lumboy and the rules on proving employer-employee relationships in illegal dismissal cases in the Philippines.
Beyond the Rules: Dismissal Misconduct and the Limits of Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine jurisprudence clarifies when employee dismissal for misconduct is valid, and when employer discretion crosses the line into illegal termination.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Local Government Contracts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies direct bribery under the Revised Penal Code in a case involving Ombudsman officials and local executives.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Case Updates in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer was suspended for six months for failing to inform a client of an unfavorable labor decision, highlighting duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: DOJ Guidelines and Court Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases and the role of evidence in resolving objections.
Sworn Statements Now Sufficient to Lift Attorney Suspensions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a sworn statement of compliance is enough to lift a lawyer's suspension, streamlining reinstatement.
VAT Refund Claims: The Mandatory 120+30 Day Rule in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that the 120+30 day rule for VAT refund claims is mandatory and jurisdictional. Learn the deadlines and exceptions.
Mutual Incompatibility as Grounds for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: A Deep Dive
The Supreme Court expands psychological incapacity under Article 36 to include mutual incompatibility and antagonism between spouses. Learn the new rules.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Accion Publiciana in the Philippines: Recovering Possession of Real Property
Learn how accion publiciana works in the Philippines, when to file it, and what the Ontiveros case means for property owners seeking to recover possession.
Void Deeds: How Forgery Affects Property Titles in the Philippines
A forged deed is void and conveys no title. Learn how the Supreme Court protects family homes from fraudulent sales.
Citizenship and Property Rights: Retaining Ownership After Naturalization in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that naturalized citizens retain ownership of property acquired before losing Filipino citizenship, protecting vested property rights.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: When Land Ownership Claims Collide
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a homestead patent can defeat claims of implied trust over registered land in the Philippines.
Homestead Patent vs Implied Trust: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a homestead patent bars claims of implied trust over agricultural land in the Philippines.