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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Grave Threats in the Philippines: Criminal Intent and Multiple Offenses Explained
Understand how Philippine courts determine separate grave threats charges, criminal intent, and the limits of justifying circumstances in this Supreme Court case analysis.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Become Liable for Corporate Debts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders may be held personally liable for corporate debts, including unpaid subscriptions and the trust fund doctrine.
When NO Means GO Understanding Lawful Employee Transfers AND Insubordination IN THE Philippines
Learn Philippine labor law on employee transfers and insubordination—when a "no" to a lawful order can cost a job.
Courts Cannot Second-Guess Executive Road Project Choices: Torrecampo vs MWSS
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot enjoin government infrastructure projects based on policy disagreements, only on grave abuse of discretion.
Sheriffs' Ministerial Duty: Implementing Court Orders Correctly to Avoid Misconduct Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' ministerial duty in enforcing writs and how to properly address alleged irregularities in implementation.
Circumstantial Evidence and Robbery With Homicide: Lessons from People v. Uy
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for robbery with homicide, and why unexplained flight and possession of stolen goods matter.
Chain of Custody and Illegal Drugs: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rulings on the chain of custody rule in drug cases and how it protects the accused's rights.
Beyond Assigned Errors: How Philippine RTCs Review Ejectment Cases
Philippine RTCs reviewing ejectment appeals may decide beyond assigned errors, based on the entire record. Learn the rules under Rule 70.
Appeal Bonds for GOCCs in Labor Disputes: The Banahaw Broadcasting Case
When must government-owned corporations post appeal bonds in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies in Banahaw Broadcasting.
Grave Misconduct vs Conduct Prejudicial: Understanding Employee Discipline in the Philippines
A look at how Philippine jurisprudence distinguishes grave misconduct from conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Philippine Savings Bank v. Castillo: Mutuality of Contracts and Unilateral Loan Interest Adjustments
Philippine Supreme Court rules that banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: Why Businesses Can't Skip Agency Rulings in Pollution Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Universal Robina Corp. v. LLDA clarifies why businesses must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
When Courts Refuse to Second-Guess Executive Road Projects: The Torrecampo Case
The Supreme Court explains why courts will not substitute their judgment for the Executive's on where to build roads—and when injunctions fail.
Ejectment Appeals and Equitable Mortgage: Key Lessons from Macaslang v. Zamora
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies appellate review in ejectment cases and when a deed of sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage.
Who Can Challenge a Marriage: Real Party in Interest in Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court has settled who may bring a nullity of marriage case, and the rules on legal standing are stricter than many Filipino spouses assume.
Administrative Jurisdiction in the Philippines: Ombudsman, PAGC, and the CSC Appeal Route
A 2011 Supreme Court ruling clarifies concurrent jurisdiction among anti-graft bodies and why appeals must go to the CSC first.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client in Philippine Legal Proceedings
Learn when a lawyer's negligence binds the client in Philippine courts, and when courts may grant relief from counsel's mistakes.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: SC Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
SC reinstates reconstitution of lost TCT, clarifying evidence rules under RA 26 and the Bercede guidelines.
Perfecting Appeals: Timely Docket Fee Payment as a Jurisdictional Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that timely payment of docket fees is jurisdictional in appeals, but may be relaxed for substantial justice in criminal cases.
Perfecting Appeals: The Critical Role of Timely Docket Fee Payments in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on late appeal filings, docket fees, and the doctrine of reckless imprudence under Philippine law.
Employer’s Subsidiary Liability for Employee Crimes: The Calang Ruling
Employers are only subsidiarily liable for employees’ criminal acts. The Calang ruling explains when and how this liability applies.
Online Psychological Abuse and Higher Penalties for ICT Use in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how social media authorship is proven and raises penalties when VAWC crimes use ICT.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may reconstitute lost land titles under RA 26, easing rigid evidence standards after disasters.
Constructive Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in illegal dismissal cases involving managerial employees.