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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Rehabilitation Courts and Tax Disputes: The Power to Resolve Claims Tied to the Rehabilitation Plan
The Supreme Court clarifies when a rehabilitation court may resolve claims involving local tax disputes, distinguishing incidental claims from those requiring separate actions.
Bank Liquidation and Bounced Checks: When Receivership Suspends Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how bank receivership and liquidation affect criminal liability for bounced checks under B.P. 22.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The Presumption of Work-Relatedness and Compensability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and compensable under the POEA-SEC.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Billboard Regulations in the Philippines: Permits, Due Process, and the Power Ads Ruling
Learn the legal rules for billboard permits in the Philippines, including the Power Ads case and the due process protections for advertisers.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Audit Disallowances: Lessons from Lozada v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability for audit disallowances, explaining how COA may collect from any liable officer.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: Proper Legal Remedies for COA Decisions in the Philippines
Understand the proper legal remedies for COA decisions in the Philippines, including jurisdictional rules and practical guidance for aggrieved parties.
Legal Standing and Procedural Remedies: Key Lessons From a Banking Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on inordinate delay in preliminary investigation shows how procedural remedies and legal standing work in Philippine courts.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.
Environmental Tort and Negligence: Protecting Property Owners From Damages
Learn how the Supreme Court addressed environmental tort, negligence, and property damages in a case involving Lake Lanao flooding.
Due Process and Speedy Trial Rights in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from Baterina v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and speedy disposition rights in criminal cases, affirming the Ombudsman's broad powers in Baterina v. Sandiganbayan.
Non-Remittance of Judiciary Funds: Accountability and Consequences for Clerks of Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court face administrative liability for unremitted judiciary funds, even after full restitution, in a recent ruling.
Intervention in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court on Timely Action and Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when intervention in property cases is proper, and why procedural rules still matter even in equitable remedies.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal in illegal termination cases.
Finality Prevails: Why Prior Judgments Bar Annulment Based on the Same Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that receiving final retirement benefits bars a later illegal dismissal claim.
Construction Contract Disputes: Supreme Court Ruling on Delay and Contractor Obligations
A look at a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on construction delays, variation orders, and contractor liability for unfinished work.
Navigating Trademark Infringement: How Similar Marks Are Treated in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when similar marks cause confusion and damage, rejecting blanket application of prior rulings in trademark disputes.
Budget Augmentation Rules: When Government Funds Cannot Be Realigned
The Supreme Court clarifies when agencies may augment budgets from savings, and when officers must refund disallowed amounts.
Estafa Through Misappropriation: Key Insights From a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
Explore the Supreme Court's recent ruling on estafa through misappropriation and its practical implications for criminal liability and prosecution.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.