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.
Citizen's Arrest in the Philippines: Barangay Tanod Authority and Your Rights
When can barangay tanods arrest without a warrant? The Salma case explains citizen's arrest rules and your rights under Philippine law.
Hidden Defects and Time Limits: Understanding Warranty Claims in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for implied warranty claims in the Philippines, from the Civil Code and Consumer Act, explained simply.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences of Misconduct and Abandonment of Duty
The Supreme Court affirms that the Ombudsman can impose penalties directly, and that dishonesty by accountable officers warrants dismissal from service.
Probable Cause vs False Testimony: Navigating Search Warrant Challenges in Drug Cases
Learn how Philippine courts balance probable cause requirements against allegations of false testimony in search warrant challenges.
Lawyer Misconduct Outside Professional Duties: When Private Acts Lead to Suspension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's private misconduct, like road rage and firing a gun, warrants suspension from the practice of law.
When Judges Overstep Preliminary Investigation Boundaries: A Lesson in Judicial Overreach
SC ruling on a judge who issued arrest warrants without preliminary investigation, and the limits of judicial authority.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he admitted to an extramarital affair and fathering a child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Warranty Against Eviction: Why Buyers Must Implead the Seller in Eviction Suits
Buyers who lose property to third-party claims must implead the seller in the eviction suit to enforce the warranty against eviction under Philippine law.
Structural Integrity vs Superficial Damage: What Property Buyers Must Know About Warranties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when cracks and leaks in a purchased property justify a refund or damages under the law.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
When Can a Judge Issue an Arrest Warrant: Limits of Judicial Authority in Preliminary Investigation
Explains when judges may issue arrest warrants during preliminary investigation, citing a 2006 administrative case on judicial authority.
When Judges May Conduct Preliminary Investigation and Issue Warrants: Lessons from Lumbos v. Baliguat
A judge's authority to conduct preliminary investigation and issue warrants, explained through an administrative case dismissed for good faith.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child, and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Bound by Your Lawyer’s Mistakes? Client Responsibility Under Philippine Law
Philippine courts generally hold clients responsible for their lawyers' negligence. Only gross negligence that deprives a client of due process warrants relief.
Breach of Warranty vs Waiver: Marine Insurance Policy Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies breach of warranty, waiver, and insurer liability in marine insurance disputes under the Insurance Code.
Maintaining Judicial Integrity: Understanding Misconduct of Court Personnel in the Philippines
A judge's P20,000 fine for issuing a search warrant without written searching questions shows why judicial competence matters.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
When Habeas Corpus Fails Understanding Valid Arrest Warrants in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why habeas corpus cannot prosper when a person is detained under a valid arrest warrant and charged with a crime.
Navigating Philippine Warrants of Arrest: When Can a Court Act on Your Motion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can act on motions to quash warrants of arrest, distinguishing custody of law from jurisdiction over the person.
Construction Defects and Warranty Periods: Know Your Rights and Liabilities After Project Completion
Learn when a contractor's liability for construction defects ends under Philippine law, and what a one-year warranty period really means.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: The Judge's Duty Beyond Issuance
A judge's duty in search warrants does not end with signing—probable cause requires probing examination and post-issuance oversight.
Arraignment Delays and Your Right to Speedy Trial in the Philippines
When repeated postponements of arraignment violate the constitutional right to speedy trial, dismissal of the case and release may be warranted.