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.
OIL Deregulation AND THE Limits OF Judicial Review Balancing Economic Policy AND Public Interest
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Retirement Options for Re-Employed Government Employees: When Choice Is Lost
Explaining when a re-employed government retiree loses the right to choose a retirement law, based on Santos v. GSIS.
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Neglect in Handling Court Funds
A clerk of court's failure to deposit fiduciary funds on time is gross neglect of duty, warranting dismissal even with belated payment.
When Reclassified Positions Need New Appointments: Tagaro v. Garcia
The Supreme Court clarifies when position upgrades require new appointments and the consequences of forum shopping in government service disputes.
Untimely Election Protests: When Pre-Proclamation Petitions Do Not Suspend Filing Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pre-proclamation petition suspends the 10-day deadline for filing an election protest under Philippine law.
Election Tribunal vs Comelec: Who Resolves Disqualification Cases After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a winning candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET—not the Comelec—has sole jurisdiction over qualification disputes.
Bouncing Checks AND Lawyer Discipline Upholding Integrity IN THE Legal Profession
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Conflicting Land Titles: Why Prior Titles Prevail in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conflicting land titles, explaining why earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones in property disputes.
Accountability Prevails THE Legal Implications OF Group Action AND Superior Force IN Criminal Liability
Title Disputes Proving Land Ownership IN Accion Publiciana Cases
Learn how co-owners can pursue accion publiciana without impleading all co-owners, and why non-joinder is not a ground for dismissal.
Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Stockholders' Right to Inspect Corporate Records: When Refusal Becomes a Crime
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on stockholders' inspection rights, prejudicial questions, and criminal liability for refusing access to corporate books.
Corporate Inspection Rights: Balancing Stockholder Access and Corporate Interests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may deny a stockholder's inspection request and the criminal consequences of wrongful refusal.
When Silence Speaks: Examining Eyewitness Delay in Homicide Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that delayed eyewitness reporting doesn't automatically destroy credibility when fear explains the silence.
When Court Orders Are Final: Lessons from an Administrative Case Against a Judge
A judge's temporary custody order isn't a final judgment. Learn when court rulings become final and how to challenge them properly.
Custody Battles: When Judicial Discretion Meets Legal Mandates in Child Protection Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in child custody disputes under RA 9262, balancing legal mandates with the child's best interest.
Lawyer Fined for Shouting at Court Employee and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, clarifying penalties for disbarred attorneys.
Carrier Liability for Cargo Damage During Unloading: The Wallem Doctrine
When is a shipping carrier liable for cargo damaged during unloading? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on carrier responsibility and arrastre operator liability.
Sexual Assault Credibility and Victim Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
How Philippine courts assess victim credibility in sexual assault cases, safeguard victim rights, and determine proper charges and penalties.
When Foreclosure Is Not Bad Faith: DBP v. Doyon on Mortgagee Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank's foreclosure after withdrawing an earlier case is not bad faith, and upholds mortgage possession and auction rules.