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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Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Case Updates in the Philippines
A Philippine lawyer was suspended for six months for failing to inform a client of an unfavorable labor decision, highlighting duties under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Primary Jurisdiction: When Courts Defer to Specialized Agencies in Media Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on when courts must defer to the NTC in media ownership and competition disputes.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Employee Misappropriation Cases
A sales manager's failure to remit sale proceeds is qualified theft, not carnapping, when trust and confidence are abused.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Bribery: The Line Between Facilitation and Conspiracy in Public Office
Supreme Court clarifies when mere presence at a bribe transaction amounts to conspiracy in direct bribery cases under Philippine law.
Unconstitutional Bargain: State Control Over Natural Resources in Philippine Seas
The Supreme Court struck down the JMSU as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exploration of the country's natural resources must remain under full State control.
COA Authority to Disallow Benefits Without Presidential Approval: PhilHealth Case
Supreme Court affirms COA's power to disallow PhilHealth benefits lacking presidential approval, but allows longevity pay under RA 11223.
Gender Equality in Employment: Differential Retirement Age Ruled Unlawful
The Supreme Court voids a CBA provision retiring female flight attendants at 55, ruling it discriminatory against women.
Electoral Integrity: Credible Evidence Required to Substantiate Vote-Buying Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that vote-buying complaints need credible evidence, not just videos and speculation, to establish probable cause.
Mortgage in Good Faith vs True Owner: Navigating Philippine Property Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mortgagee in good faith versus true owner rights in Philippine property disputes.
Sworn Statements Now Sufficient to Lift Attorney Suspensions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a sworn statement of compliance is enough to lift a lawyer's suspension, streamlining reinstatement.
Unlawful Possession of Firearms: What You Need to Know Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal possession of firearms under RA 10591, including penalties and the effect of acquittal in related drug cases.
Limits on PhilHealth's Fiscal Autonomy: Accountability in Public Spending
Supreme Court clarifies PhilHealth's fiscal autonomy limits, upholding COA disallowances of unauthorized benefits while allowing longevity pay.
Vote Buying Claims Need Credible Evidence, Not Just Video Clips
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to establish probable cause for vote-buying complaints under the Omnibus Election Code.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: COMELEC's 7-Year Delay Is Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC's resolution against a governor due to a seven-year delay in preliminary investigation, affirming the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Compliance with RA 26 Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance is not enough when petitioning for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26.
Reconstitution of Lost Land Titles: Strict Rules Under RA 26 Explained
Lost your Torrens title? Judicial reconstitution demands strict compliance with RA 26. Learn the rules, evidence, and burden of proof.
Sula v. COMELEC: Supreme Court Upholds Cotabato City’s Inclusion in BARMM
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC’s conduct of the Bangsamoro plebiscite, upholding Cotabato City’s inclusion in BARMM as the people’s will.
Constructive Delivery in Property Sales: What the Tamayao Case Teaches Buyers
A notarized deed can transfer ownership, but registration is key. The Tamayao case shows why due diligence matters in Philippine property sales.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Landmark Ruling on Social Media Harassment
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises penalty for ICT use.
Proving Social Media Authorship in VAWC Cases: The G.R. No. 274842 Guide
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove Facebook post authorship in VAWC psychological abuse cases and raises penalties for ICT use.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalties for Social Media Harassment
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Psychological Abuse via Facebook: Higher Penalty Under Cybercrime Law
Supreme Court rules posting demeaning messages on Facebook constitutes psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.