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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Barangay Conciliation in the Philippines: When It's Required Before Filing a Case
Learn when barangay conciliation is required in the Philippines before filing a case in court, plus the exceptions and process under the law.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language and Disrespect for Legal Processes
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for urging police to shoot her nephew and using intemperate language in pleadings—a reminder of ethical limits.
Qualified Trafficking: Protecting Children From Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms life sentences for traffickers who sexually exploited a minor, clarifying the law on qualified trafficking in persons.
When Courts Relax the Rules: Attorney Negligence and Due Process in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to protect workers' right to due process despite counsel's negligence.
Executive Order 30 on Energy Projects: Balancing Streamlined Permits and Environmental Rights
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for challenging executive issuances on energy projects, environmental rights, and the scope of judicial review.
When Regulatory Approvals Matter: CSP Rules and Power Agreements After Alyansa
Supreme Court clarifies that power supply agreements filed after June 30, 2015 must comply with the Competitive Selection Process, even if executed earlier.
Good Faith Defense: When Public Officials Can Avoid Liability for Disallowed Fund Transfers
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith shields public officials from personal liability in COA disallowances involving PDAF fund transfers.
Qualified Rape and Due Process: When "Niece" in the Information Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies that naming a victim as an During trial, AAA positively identified her maternal uncle as the perpetrator, narrating that he dragged her to a hut, undressed her, and inserte
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When an Acquittal Can Be Overturned
Philippine law protects against double jeopardy, but an acquittal can be voided if the State's right to due process is violated. Learn the exception.
LRT Concession Supreme Court Upholds Government Authority AND DUE Process IN Public Private Partnerships
The Supreme Court upholds the LRT 1 concession agreement, affirming government authority and due process in public-private partnerships.
Illegal Recruitment vs Estafa: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between illegal recruitment and estafa, and why proof of non-licensure matters.
Franking Privilege Misuse: When Court Personnel Face Misconduct Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when misuse of the franking privilege constitutes simple misconduct for court personnel, with key lessons on official resources.
Eyewitness Identification: When Photo Lineups Pass Due Process Scrutiny
The Supreme Court clarifies when out-of-court photographic identification passes due process, citing the totality of circumstances test.
Zoning vs Vested Rights: When Local Ordinances Clash With National Policy
Supreme Court rules on Quezon City zoning ordinance vs Manila Seedling Bank's usufructuary rights over national government property.
Lawyer Negligence and Client Funds: Supreme Court Suspends Attorney for Two Years
A lawyer who neglects a client's case, ignores demands for updates, and keeps client funds faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Liability in Disallowed Transactions
Learn how the Supreme Court held BAC members liable for flawed procurement, and how to avoid audit disallowances.
Enforced Disappearance Safeguarding Rights Under THE Writ Of Amparo In The Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope and remedies under the writ of amparo, reinforcing protections against enforced disappearances.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ Execution: Avoiding Neglect and Misconduct
A sheriff who delays writ execution and receives litigant money faces administrative liability, as shown in this 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
VAT Zero-Rating for Hotel Services to International Airlines: The Manila Peninsula Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when hotel accommodations for international flight crews qualify for VAT zero-rating under the NIRC.
Inordinate Delay and Insanity Defense in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from People v. Ragudo
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ragudo clarifies insanity defenses and qualifying circumstances in Philippine criminal cases.
COA Disallowances When ARE Government Officials Personally Liable TO Refund
Supreme Court clarifies when government officials must refund disallowed benefits, distinguishing approving officers from mere recipients.
Presidential Power vs Individual Rights: Amnesty Revocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on amnesty revocation, due process, and the limits of presidential power in the Trillanes cases.