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 Is Deadly Force Justified in the Philippines? Police Use of Force Rules
Philippine law on police use of force, deadly force standards, and what the Supreme Court says about justified shootings.
Graft and Corruption: When Does a Procurement Irregularity Become a Crime in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procurement irregularities amount to graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019, requiring proof of corrupt intent.
Easements and Eminent Domain in the Philippines: MMDA’s Limits After Diamond Motor
The Supreme Court limits MMDA’s power to impose easements, balancing flood control with private property rights and just compensation.
Theft vs. Robbery in the Philippines: The Element of Force Explained
Understand the difference between theft and robbery under Philippine law, and how the element of force affects criminal liability and penalties.
Judicial Corruption: When Can Evidence From a Government-Issued Laptop Be Used
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on using evidence from a government-issued laptop in administrative cases against judges.
Election Propaganda on Private Property: COMELEC's Power to Regulate Free Speech
The Supreme Court clarifies when COMELEC may regulate privately-owned election materials, balancing free speech with election regulation.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: Entrapment, Privacy Rights, and Penalties Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs. instigation, privacy rights, and penalties in qualified trafficking cases involving minors.
When Does Masturbation in Front of a Minor Constitute Child Abuse Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal boundaries of child abuse under RA 7610, ruling that mere masturbation in front of a minor without proof of severe psychological harm is not enough for conviction
When a Recruitment Employee Is Not Liable for Illegal Recruitment: Toston v. People
The Supreme Court in Toston v. People clarifies that a recruitment agency's mere employee is not automatically liable for illegal recruitment.
Zero-Rated VAT on Manning Services: When a Foreign Principal Is Not "Doing Business" in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign shipping company receiving manning services from a Philippine agency is not in the Philippines.
Zealous Representation vs Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Is Not Deceit
A lawyer's demand letter to protect a client's interest in an unsettled estate is not misconduct, the Supreme Court rules.
Letter of Authority vs. Letter Notice: When a BIR Tax Assessment Is Void
The Supreme Court ruled that a BIR Letter Notice cannot substitute for a Letter of Authority—assessments without a valid LOA are void.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Illegal Exaction, Neglect of Duty, and Administrative Liability
A sheriff who directly collects fees without court approval and releases seized property without authority faces administrative liability, as the Supreme Court recently ruled.
Local Government Share in National Wealth: Water Rights and Resource Utilization
Supreme Court clarifies when LGUs can claim a share from water resources under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
When Does a Lawyer's Suspension Start? SC Clarifies Constructive Notice
The Supreme Court rules that a lawyer's suspension can begin upon constructive receipt of the decision when the lawyer's whereabouts are unknown.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel: Consequences of Soliciting Fees for Favorable Outcomes
Court stenographer dismissed for gross misconduct after soliciting P248,000 from a litigant, promising to fix an annulment case.
When IPRA Customary Law Claims Collide with Final Judgments: Lessons from Spouses Sending v. Co Uy
The Supreme Court clarifies when indigenous customary laws apply in disputes and why final judgments cannot be overturned through belated IPRA claims.
Motion to Withdraw Information: When Courts Must Assess Evidence Before Dismissal
Courts must independently assess evidence before granting a motion to withdraw information. Learn the rules from a recent Sandiganbayan case.
Protection Orders and Jurisdiction: When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's TRO errors are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.
When a Facebook Post Becomes a Crime: VAWC, Social Media, and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court rules that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under VAWC warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Protecting Environmental Advocacy: The Limits of SLAPP Suits in Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts define the limits of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), balancing environmental advocacy with the right to protect reputations.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
Understanding Novation, Statute of Frauds, and Conjugal Property Sales in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when oral land sales are valid, how novation works, and why a wife's consent matters.
When Tax Disputes Between Government Agencies Must Be Settled Administratively
Supreme Court ruling on whether tax disputes between government agencies go to the CTA or administrative settlement under P.D. 242.