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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
When Can Land Awards Be Cancelled? The Buenaventura Case on Prescription
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of alienable public land ripens into private ownership through prescription, even without proof of possession since 1945.
Final Judgment IS Final: Understanding Forum Shopping AND Res Judicata IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final DAR order becomes immutable and why Rule 47 annulment cannot replace a timely appeal.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
Can Agency Guidelines Limit Court Injunctions? SEC Authority in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on whether SEC guidelines could shorten the life of preliminary injunctions in intra-corporate disputes.
Director Ousted Understanding Valid Removal OF Corporate Directors IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the valid removal of corporate directors and officers under the Corporation Code, and the required vote.
When Can the Ombudsman Reinvestigate and Refile Cases After Withdrawal?
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's power to reinvestigate and refile a withdrawn case, and the limits of judicial review.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Understanding Privileged Communication in Philippine Libel Law: The Alcantara Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protects statements made during preliminary investigations from libel claims through the doctrine of privileged communication.
Protecting the Right to Vote: Why Philippine Courts Scrutinize Ballot Invalidations Based on Handwriting
The Supreme Court reminds election tribunals that ballots presumed valid cannot be invalidated as "written by one person" without checking assisted-voting records.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage: Understanding the Limits of Irresponsibility as Grounds for A
The Supreme Court clarifies that joblessness, drug use, and irresponsibility do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Unlock Loan Restructuring Benefits: Why Application Is Key Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on RA 7202 shows why filing an application is essential to claim loan restructuring and condonation benefits.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: Key Differences and Buyer Protections in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal: The Rural Bank of Cantilan Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job transfer becomes constructive dismissal, using the Rural Bank of Cantilan v. Julve ruling.
Improvident Plea of Guilt in Philippine Rape Cases: Supreme Court Clarifies Safeguards
The Supreme Court explains when a guilty plea in capital cases is improvident and how convictions can still stand on independent evidence.
Challenging Election Results: Safeguarding the Electorate's Will Against Tampered Returns
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's annulment of a proclaimed councilor's victory where election returns were tampered, affirming that procedural lapses cannot defeat the electorate's true will.
Philippine Franchise Tax and Real Property Tax: Exemptions for Telecom Companies
Supreme Court ruling on telecom franchise tax exemptions and real property tax liability under the Local Government Code.
When Circumstantial Evidence Convicts: Lessons from a Philippine Rape-Homicide Case
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict, using a rape-homicide case as a guide.
Petrochemical Plant Location in the Philippines: Site Exclusivity and Investment Law
The Supreme Court rules on whether Bataan is the exclusive site for petrochemical plants under P.D. Nos. 949 and 1803.
Entrapment vs Instigation: The Fine Line in Philippine Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
Attorney Negligence in the Philippines: A Lawyer's Duty and Client Protection
When a lawyer fails to file a case on time, the consequences can be severe. Learn what the Supreme Court says about attorney negligence and your rights as a client.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Double Sale of Land in the Philippines: Bad Faith Registration and Ejectment Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale of land: bad faith registration cannot defeat the first buyer's right to possession.
When Is a Misplaced Vote Valid? The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law
Philippine election law on stray votes and the neighborhood rule, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Velasco v. COMELEC.