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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The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Protecting Your Property Rights Understanding Free Patents AND Land Ownership IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects private landowners from invalid free patents and what this means for your property rights.
Proving Self-Defense and Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from People v. Carpio
A look at how the Supreme Court evaluates self-defense claims and treachery in murder, using the 1997 Carpio decision.
Election Protests: The Strict Timeline for Filing Counterprotests in the Philippines
Understand the strict 5-day deadline for filing counterprotests in Philippine election cases, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Lim v. COMELEC.
Government Employee Strikes: Balancing Rights and Public Service in the Philippines
Philippine law prohibits strikes by government employees, but peaceful assembly within legal bounds remains protected. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Rape and Robbery: How Philippine Courts Handle Complex Criminal Cases
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how forcible abduction with rape and robbery charges are treated when multiple crimes arise from one criminal episode.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court Personnel and IBP Noncompliance: A.C. No. 11508
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, clarifying penalties under CPRA.
Granting Bail Without a Hearing: A Judge's Error and Its Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on a judge fined for granting bail in rape cases without a hearing, a grave error.
Defective Information in Rape Cases: Waiver and Amendment Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court rules on defective information in rape cases, waiver by failure to quash, and amendment of indefinite dates.
When Can an Employee Be Dismissed for Loss of Trust and Confidence: A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the high standard for dismissing employees on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
When Is Detention NOT Illegal: Understanding Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when detention is not illegal and why consent and credible evidence matter in serious illegal detention cases.
Oil Deregulation in the Philippines: Balancing Competition and Public Interest
The Supreme Court struck down key provisions of the oil deregulation law for blocking competition, reshaping Philippine energy policy.
Rape Conviction Based on Sole Testimony: Understanding Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a rape conviction can rest on the complainant's sole testimony, and why alibi and denial fail against positive identification.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Employer Duties and Employee Rights
Understand illegal recruitment in the Philippines, employer responsibilities, and employee rights based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
SEC vs Stock Exchange: Who Decides Which Stocks Get Listed in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling clarifies the SEC's power to review stock exchange listing decisions and the limits of that authority.
When Can a Stock Exchange Deny a Listing? The Puerto Azul Case Explained
The Supreme Court explains the limits of SEC power over stock exchange listing decisions and the business judgment rule.
The Right to Preliminary Investigation: A Shield for Liberty in Philippine Criminal Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a regular preliminary investigation is a substantive right, not a mere technicality, protecting the accused from arbitrary detention.
Automatic Contract Cancellation: What Buyers Must Know in Philippine Real Estate
The Supreme Court explains when automatic cancellation clauses in contracts to sell are valid and enforceable in Philippine real estate.
Homicide vs Robbery With Homicide: Key Distinctions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a killing is simple homicide, not robbery with homicide, and why robbery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Malicious Prosecution: Probable Cause and Legal Malice in Unfair Competition Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when filing unfair competition charges constitutes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of absent probable cause and legal malice.
Upholding Judicial Competence: The Cost of Ignoring Basic Procedural Rules
A judge's severe reprimand for gross ignorance of appeal rules underscores the high standard of competence expected of Philippine courts.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal in a lease binds the lessor, and why sublessees generally cannot enforce it.