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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Conditional Release of Imports: Supreme Court Upholds DTI Rules on Testing and Certification
The Supreme Court upholds DTI's conditional release rules for imported goods, clarifying testing and certification requirements under Philippine law.
Understanding Theft in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A look at how the Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining rules in drug cases and what this means for criminal procedure in the Philippines.
Understanding Rape Convictions: Victim Testimony and Legal Standards in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, clarifying how victim testimony, force, and identity are assessed under Philippine law.
Conflict of Interest in Legal Practice: The Fine Line Lawyers Must Navigate
When can a lawyer's business venture become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on lawyer loyalty and competing businesses.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court’s Stand on Prosecution Consent
A guilty plea to a lesser drug offense needs the prosecutor’s consent. Learn the rules and what the Court said in People v. Reafor.
Lawyer Encroachment and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from Sevandal v. Adame
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer encroachment clarifies ethical boundaries when two attorneys claim the same client, with suspension as penalty.
PAGCOR Tax Exemptions: When a Casino Licensee Still Pays Income Tax
The Supreme Court clarifies that PAGCOR's tax exemptions under PD 1869 do not automatically cover licensees operating their own casinos.
Understanding Disturbance Compensation in Land Conversion: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on disturbance compensation claims in land conversion, including prescription periods and evidentiary requirements.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Confessions and Conspiracy in Kidnapping and Murder Cases
A look at how the Supreme Court treats extrajudicial confessions and conspiracy in a kidnapping-for-ransom and murder case.
Lawyer's Duty to Account for Client Funds: A Case of Trust and Misappropriation
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on fiduciary duty and the penalties for misappropriation.
Understanding the COA's Role in Government Contracts: Insights from a Landmark Dairy Farm Case
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the Commission on Audit's power to disallow irregular government contracts and the liability of public officers.
Understanding Evident Bad Faith in Graft Cases: Insights from Philippine Jurisprudence
The Supreme Court clarifies the element of evident bad faith in Section 3(e) R.A. 3019 cases and the crucial rule on variance of the mode of commission.
Incentive Payments in Government Agencies: Lessons from the TransCo EME Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME) in GOCCs are valid, and who must refund disallowed amounts.
Balancing Public Health and Infrastructure: Environmental Rights in the Meralco Transmission Line Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the writ of kalikasan covers health concerns, using the NAIA III transmission line dispute as a guide.
Understanding the Authority of Administrative Committees in Employee Dismissals: Insights from a Landmark Phil
Learn how Philippine courts define the authority of administrative committees in employee dismissal cases through key Supreme Court rulings.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Gross Ignorance of the Law in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of the law, gross misconduct, and corruption—what it means for judicial accountability in the Philippines.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
Understanding the Impact of Stay Orders on Corporate Rehabilitation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a stay order suspends collection cases against a corporation under rehabilitation, and when creditors may proceed.
Understanding Employee Resignation and Management Prerogative in the Workplace
When does a worker's refusal to follow a policy become voluntary resignation? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between quitting and dismissal.
Navigating Accountability in Government Procurement: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on CNA incentives clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed funds and how special funds may be spent.
CNA Incentive Caps and Employee Rights in the Public Sector: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies that CNA incentives in government are subject to DBM rules, including the P25,000 cap, and explains employee rights.
Judicial Misconduct and the Consequences of Soliciting Bribes: A Landmark Ruling on Integrity in the Philippin
The Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Amor clarifies that resignation does not erase administrative liability for judicial misconduct like bribery.
Lawyer Disbarred for Fabricating Annulment Decision: Lessons on Attorney Misconduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who fabricated a court decision in a client's marriage annulment case, highlighting ethical duties and consequences.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.