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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Delayed Payment Claims and COA Audit Powers: The Lotrim Construction Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the strict application of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Torrens Title Integrity Resolving Ownership Disputes Arising From Erroneous Land Inclusion
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens title ownership alone does not determine possession rights in ejectment cases involving corporate factions.
Delayed Birth Registration Validity and Legal Presumptions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on delayed birth registration, legal presumptions, and evidentiary weight in civil cases.
When Judges Cite Non-Existent Cases: Lessons from Monticalbo v. Judge Maraya
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges face discipline for citing non-existent cases, and why administrative complaints are not substitutes for appeals.
Custody Consequences: Understanding Failure to Return a Minor Under Philippine Law
Learn what constitutes the crime of kidnapping and failure to return a minor under Philippine law, explained through a landmark Supreme Court case.
Unjust Enrichment Prevails Recovering Debt Despite Mortgage Technicalities
Seafarer Disability Claims Proving Entitlement to CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what seafarers must prove to claim collective bargaining agreement disability benefits over POEA contract amounts.
Employer's Duty of Care: When Is a Philippine Company Liable for an Employee's Illness?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer liability for employee illness under Article 161 of the Labor Code in Ocean Builders v. Cubacub.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Why Photocopies and Hearsay Don't Suffice
Learn how Philippine courts treat photocopies and hearsay in administrative cases, and why substantial evidence remains the standard.
Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation: Rape by a Parent in the Philippines
How Philippine courts treat a father's moral ascendancy as intimidation in incestuous rape, and why proof of minority matters.
Prosecutors Discretion Prevails Understanding The Limits OF Bureau OF Customs Authority IN Smuggling Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Customs cannot control criminal prosecutions—that power belongs to public prosecutors.
Standing to Sue: Why Being the Real Party in Interest Matters in Philippine Courts
Understand real party in interest rules in Philippine civil procedure and how standing affects who may bring a lawsuit.
Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases: When the Clock Starts Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, applying the doctrine to behest loans.
Deprivation of Liberty: Understanding Kidnapping and Illegal Detention of Minors in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when taking a child constitutes kidnapping and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Unmasking Deceptive Sales Tactics: Supreme Court Upholds Consumer Protection in Aowa Case
The Supreme Court affirms DTI's closure order against Aowa for deceptive sales schemes, strengthening consumer protection under the Consumer Act.
Due Process for Casual Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that casual government employees enjoy security of tenure and cannot be dismissed without cause and due process.
Sandiganbayan Justices' Collegiality Breach: Administrative Liability Explained
Supreme Court holds Sandiganbayan justices liable for simple misconduct and unbecoming conduct for breaching collegiality in provincial hearings.
Parent Convicted of Qualified Rape of Minor Daughter: Supreme Court Affirms
Supreme Court affirms conviction of father for qualified rape of his minor daughter, reducing death penalty to reclusion perpetua under RA 9346.
Dinagat Islands Case: Supreme Court on Province Creation Requirements
The Supreme Court's Dinagat Islands ruling clarifies the constitutional and statutory requirements for creating a new province in the Philippines.
Breach of Public Trust: Why Appearances Matter in Philippine Civil Service
The Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Sandiganbayan clarifies how public officers can be held liable for breach of public trust, even through corporate vehicles.
Who Owns the Shares When Public Funds and Private Interests Collide in San Miguel Corporation
The Supreme Court resolves who owns sequestered SMC shares bought with coconut levy funds—the registered owners or the coconut farmers.
Lost Land Title Petitions: Court Limits, Due Diligence, and Protecting Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for new owner's duplicate titles, including jurisdictional limits, due diligence duties, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Preliminary Injunctions in Philippine Corporate Disputes: Safeguarding Rights Pending Litigation
Learn how the Supreme Court applies preliminary injunction rules in corporate disputes, protecting shareholder rights while cases remain pending.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal and who counts as managerial staff.