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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Court Personnel Misconduct in the Philippines: Consequences and Remedies
Explains the Supreme Court's ruling on court personnel misconduct, its consequences, and the remedies available to affected litigants in the Philippines.
Navigating Presumptive Death: Legal Requirements for Declaring a Spouse Deceased in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict "well-founded belief" standard for declaring a spouse presumptively dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: When 5% Monthly Loan Interest Is Void in the Philippines
Philippine courts void unconscionable loan interest rates even if borrowers agreed to them. Learn the rules, the legal interest substitute, and foreclosure effects.
When Church Governance Prevails: Minister Reassignment and Labor Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pastor's non-reappointment is an ecclesiastical affair beyond labor tribunals' jurisdiction, and why courts respect church autonomy.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarization Errors: A Guide to Notarial Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines court employees for incompetence and inefficiency, and what this means for notarial responsibilities in the Philippines.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Double Sales and Defective Notarization: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
Explains when double sale rules apply, the effect of defective notarization on deeds, and limits on attacking Torrens titles.
How the Agricultural Free Patent Reform Act Changed Land Ownership Rules in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how RA 11231 removed restrictions on agricultural free patents, affecting reversion suits and property rights.
Electoral Protests and the Limits of Challenging Election Results in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's ruling in Marcos v. Robredo clarifies the rules, burdens, and limits of contesting presidential and vice presidential election results.
Navigating Firearms Regulation in the Philippines: The Supreme Court's Ruling on RA 10591
The Supreme Court upheld most of RA 10591 but struck down the PNP's warrantless home inspection consent requirement for firearm license applicants.
Firearm Regulation in the Philippines: The Right to Privacy vs. Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that firearm ownership is a privilege, not a right, but struck down warrantless home inspections as unconstitutional.
Obstructing Justice: The Fine Line Between Public Duty and Criminal Conspiracy in the Philippines
When does a public official's delay become obstruction of justice? A closer look at Philippine law and the thin line between duty and conspiracy.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Security of Tenure: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate an employee's security of tenure under Philippine law.
Navigating Tax Exemptions: The Legal Status of Government Instrumentalities in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government instrumentalities like the LRTA are exempt from real property tax under the Local Government Code.
Forged Deeds and the Innocent Purchaser: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a forged deed can transfer title and how owners can protect their land from fraud.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Malversed Funds in the Philippines
When public funds go missing, Philippine law presumes the accountable officer misappropriated them. Learn how courts apply this rule.
Protecting Minors: Lascivious Conduct and the Scope of R.A. 7610 in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when acts of lasciviousness against minors fall under R.A. 7610, and the proper penalties.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Dismissal Under Philippine Labor Law
Learn the rules for valid dismissal in the Philippines—substantive and procedural due process, and what happens when employers fail to comply.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached the chain of custody rule, underscoring the need for strict evidence handling.
Eminent Domain and Private Property: Clarifying Expropriation Powers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when state-owned land is private property subject to expropriation, and the limits of delegated eminent domain.
Falcis v. Civil Registrar General: Why the Supreme Court Declined to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines, ruling on procedural grounds without deciding the constitutional merits.
Defining Marriage: The Falcis Case and LGBTQ+ Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2019 Falcis ruling on same-sex marriage in the Philippines, explained in plain language with practical takeaways.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Rights and Employer Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin-notice rule in dismissals and when a flawed procedure still yields a valid termination.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.