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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Perpetual Disqualification: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Candidacy in the Philippines
A criminal conviction can permanently bar a person from running for public office in the Philippines. Learn the rules on disqualification, substitution, and what voters should know.
Can a Second-Placer Win After a Substitute Candidate Is Disqualified? The Talaga Case
A substitute candidate cannot replace a disqualified candidate whose certificate of candidacy was cancelled. Learn what this means for election contests.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: The CSC's Role in Disciplining State University Personnel
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC shares original jurisdiction with state university boards of regents over administrative cases against school officials.
CSC Jurisdiction Over Administrative Cases Against State University Officials
Supreme Court rules CSC shares original jurisdiction with state university boards of regents over administrative cases filed directly by any complainant.
Water Rights and Foreign Investment: Protecting Philippine Natural Resources
The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits on foreign ownership of water resources and power assets in the Philippines.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Protecting Realty Installment Buyers Understanding Contract Cancellation AND Legal Recourse
Learn how the Maceda Law protects realty installment buyers from unlawful contract cancellation and what legal recourse they have.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence FOR Conviction 2
Preliminary Injunctions Upholding Foreclosure Rights Absent A Clear Legal Violation
Trust Receipts vs Ordinary Loans: When Debt Restructuring Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
Philippine National Bank v. Soriano clarifies when restructuring a trust receipt loan does not extinguish criminal liability for estafa under PD 115.
When Due Process Is Denied: Judge Fined for Ignoring Indispensable Parties and Legal Procedures
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how a judge was fined for ignoring indispensable parties, skipping summons rules, and violating notice requirements.
Construction Contracts Provisional Approval AND THE Right TO RE Evaluate Work
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Reopening Finalized Criminal Cases
A judge's dismissal for reopening a final and executory criminal case, and the duty of courts to respect finality of judgment.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Taxation of Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals lose income tax exemption and pay the 10% preferential rate under the NIRC.
Tax Amnesty Under RA 9480: Can It Cover Prior Tax Assessments?
The Supreme Court ruled that a taxpayer may avail of the 2007 tax amnesty under RA 9480 even with a pending assessment, settling the scope of the program.
Loan Restructuring vs Foreclosure: Borrower Rights in the Philippines
When does a pending loan restructuring stop a bank from foreclosing? The Supreme Court explains borrower rights and limits.
Burden of Proof in Medical Negligence: Surgeons Not Automatically Liable for Patient's Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that surgeons are not automatically liable for a patient's death; plaintiffs must prove negligence and causation.
Seafarers Rights Establishing Work Relatedness IN Illness Claims
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Standard of Substantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability requires substantial evidence of wrongdoing, not mere presumption or opportunity to commit an offense.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.
Court Cash Clerk Dismissed for Dishonesty and Misconduct in Handling Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court cash clerk for misappropriating judiciary funds through falsified official receipts, citing public trust principles.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Understanding the Limits of Amparo and Habeas Data Petitions in the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when amparo and habeas data writs may be granted, emphasizing substantial evidence over mere fears.
Regular Employment vs Consultancy: Defining the Line in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A consultant labeled regular employee: how control and supervision define employment status in illegal dismissal cases under Philippine law.