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.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Freedom of Expression vs. Election Rules: The Diocese of Bacolod Tarpaulin Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a church tarpaulin on the RH Law was not election propaganda, protecting citizen speech during elections.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
DUE Process IN Termination Notice Must Match THE Charge
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
Employer's Duty to Bargain and the Consequences of Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's duty to bargain with the certified union and the consequences of unfair labor practices.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.
When a Child Victim’s Sole Testimony Suffices to Convict in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction based on the credible, consistent testimony of a four-year-old victim, explaining when a sole account is enough.
Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Right to Be Heard Before Liability Is Imposed
The Supreme Court reaffirms that administrative due process requires a real opportunity to be heard before liability is imposed, not just a motion for reconsideration.
Taxation and Due Process: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Rights in Deficiency Assessments
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CTA may require a surety bond to suspend tax collection, protecting taxpayer rights.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices even without medical evidence of injury.
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.
Depositions Abroad: Balancing Convenience and Due Process in Philippine Civil Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign plaintiff residing abroad may take deposition outside the Philippines for direct testimony in a Philippine civil case.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Due Process in DOLE Labor Standards Cases
Supreme Court ruling on DOLE jurisdiction, employer-employee relationship requirements, and due process in labor standards enforcement.
Procedural Due Process in Employment Termination: The Right to a Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must provide a hearing or conference, not just written notices, before validly dismissing employees.
Citizenship Revocation and Deportation: Due Process in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified a deportation order based on flimsy evidence, underscoring that citizenship revocation demands substantial proof and due process.
Qualified Theft Conviction Upheld: When Circumstantial Evidence Proves Guilt Beyond Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified theft conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such evidence suffices to prove guilt.
Accountability for All: Criminal Liability and Kidnapping for Ransom Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on kidnapping for ransom clarifies liability of principals and accomplices under Article 267, RPC.
Overcoming Silence THE Admissibility OF Delayed Rape Reports IN Incestuous Abuse Cases
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action for Unauthorized Notarization
A lawyer who notarizes documents without a valid commission faces suspension and a permanent ban from notarial practice, as this case shows.
Forfeiture vs Foreclosure: Due Process in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases
The Supreme Court rules that the State, as subrogee-creditor of forfeited assets, cannot sell mortgaged shares without foreclosure proceedings.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for dishonesty in public service, explaining ethical standards and consequences for government employees.