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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Power Wheeling and Open Access in the Philippines: A Guide for Industrial Customers
Power wheeling and open access in the Philippines let large electricity users choose their supplier and use transmission or distribution wires for a regulated fee.
BSP Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Covered Institutions
Learn which institutions the BSP anti-money laundering regulations cover, their AML duties, and key rules under BSP Circular No. 950.
Power Wheeling and Open Access for Data Centers in the Philippines
Power wheeling lets Philippine data centers choose their electricity supplier using transmission and distribution wires. Here is how open access works under EPIRA.
CREATE MORE Act Incentives Philippines: What Registered Enterprises Actually Get
Understand the CREATE MORE Act incentives in the Philippines, including VAT zero-rating rules for registered business enterprises and their local suppliers.
POGO Closure in the Philippines: Options for Displaced Licensees
POGO closure in the Philippines leaves licensees weighing their options. Learn how PAGCOR cancellation works and what displaced operators can do next.
Open Finance Framework Philippines: What BSP Circular 1122 Requires
The Open Finance Framework in the Philippines lets customers share their financial data with qualified providers under BSP Circular No. 1122. Here is how it works.
Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines: How Groups Register with COMELEC
Party-list accreditation in the Philippines requires registering with COMELEC under Republic Act No. 7941. Here is how groups qualify, file, and keep their registration.
Franchise Quality Control in the Philippines: How Franchisors Enforce System Standards
Franchise quality control in the Philippines rests on contract and IP law. Learn how franchisors protect their system standards and marks under RA 8293.
Bid Security and Performance Security in Philippine Government Contracts
Understand bid security and performance security in Philippine government procurement under RA 12009 and its IRR, including their purpose and key rules.
BSP Open Finance Framework Explained: Circular No. 1122
The BSP Open Finance Framework under Circular No. 1122 lets customers share their financial data securely with qualified providers. Here is how it works.
Privacy Notice Requirements in the Philippines: What the Data Privacy Act Requires
Privacy notice requirements in the Philippines flow from the Data Privacy Act and its IRR: tell people what data you collect, why, and how their rights work.
BIR Form 1709: Who Must File the Related Party Transactions Form
BIR Form 1709, the Related Party Transaction Form, must be filed by large taxpayers, certain incentive-earning and loss-making taxpayers, and their related parties.
Intestate Succession and Legitime in the Philippines: Who Inherits
Understand intestate succession in the Philippines, how legitime protects compulsory heirs, and who inherits when there is no will.
Estate Tax in the Philippines: A Practical Guide for Heirs and Beneficiaries
Learn the Philippine estate tax rules: the 6% rate, deductions, filing deadlines, exemptions, and penalties under the TRAIN Law.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.
Forcible Entry and Prior Physical Possession: Protecting Occupants Against Owners
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Magsi v. Heirs of Lopez, Jr. on forcible entry, prior physical possession, and ejectment law in the Philippines.
GSIS Housing Loans and Insurance: Protecting Heirs' Rights After a Borrower's Death
A Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans clarifies when Sales Redemption Insurance applies and how heirs can save a deceased borrower's property from cancellation.
GSIS Housing Loan Death Claims: When Insurance Lapses but Equity Survives
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans, Sales Redemption Insurance coverage, and heirs' right to restructure after a borrower's death.
Preterition in Philippine Wills: When Omitting a Compulsory Heir Invalidates Inheritance
Learn how preterition—omitting a compulsory heir—can annul a will's heir institution under Philippine law, with insights from Trinidad v. Trinidad.
When Death Ends a Case: Exhumation Dispute and the Rules on Party Substitution
A family exhumation dispute ends without a merits ruling after the petitioner dies and heirs decline substitution, clarifying Rule 3, Section 16.
When a Sale Among Heirs Can Be Voided: PD 27 and Simulated Land Transfers
Learn when a sale of agrarian reform land among heirs is void under PD 27, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dela Cruz v. Dumasig.
Free Patent to Minor and Prescription of Reconveyance: Heirs of Timbao v. Enojado
SC ruling on free patents issued to minors, indefeasibility of titles, and the discretionary power of appellate courts over dismissed appeals.