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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Upholding Impartiality: The Supreme Court on Fair Case Raffling and Judicial Integrity
The Supreme Court affirms COA's ban on auditors receiving local government allowances, preserving audit independence and integrity under RA 6758.
Fiduciary Duty and Accountability: The Consequences of Violating Court Circulars on Fund Management
A clerk of court who released a bail bond without a written court order was fined for violating Supreme Court Circular No. 50-95.
When Court Personnel Fail: Administrative Liability for Delayed Summons Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on process servers, clerks of court, and judges liable for delayed summons service in civil cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Despite Procedural Lapses in Parental Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of father but reduces death penalty to reclusion perpetua due to procedural defects in the information.
Due Process, Right to Counsel, and Judicial Duty in Philippine Civil Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, counsel of record rules, and forum shopping in PCIB v. Court of Appeals.
Forum Shopping and Due Process in Mortgage Foreclosure: Avoiding Multiple Suits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, due process, and the risks of filing multiple injunction suits in mortgage foreclosure cases.
Timely Execution: A Sheriff's Duty to Report and the Consequences of Delay
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling reminds sheriffs that writs of execution must be returned and reported on time, and that delay carries administrative liability.
Judicial Accountability and Timely Resolution: Lessons from People v. Servano
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Servano clarifies incest rape rules while underscoring the judiciary's duty to resolve cases without delay.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy Replaces Force in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape, where a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and intimidation in securing conviction.
Upholding DUE Process THE Dismissal OF Charges DUE TO Lack OF Evidence IN Administrative Cases
Tax Refund Limitations: The One-Year Rule for Carry-Over of Excess Income Tax Payments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that excess income tax payments may only be carried over to the immediately succeeding taxable year under the old NIRC.
Final Executory Labor Judgments Cannot Be Appealed: King Integrated Security Services v. Gatan
Labor judgments that become final and executory can no longer be appealed — only executed. The Supreme Court explains why.
Unexplained Wealth and Due Process: Montemayor and Public Service Integrity
A look at Montemayor v. Bundalian, where the Supreme Court upheld a public official's dismissal for unexplained wealth and clarified due process in administrative cases.
Bus Holdups and Homicide: Affirming Guilt but Reducing Penalty Due to Procedural Rules
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction but reduces penalty to reclusion perpetua, acquitting co-accused for lack of proof.
Rape and Due Process: Fair Trial Rights in Philippine Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how trial judges may question witnesses in rape cases without violating the accused's right to a fair trial.
Electoral Protests: COMELEC's Power to Correct Errors and the Essence of Due Process
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on COMELEC's authority to correct canvass errors and what due process truly requires in election cases.
Incestuous Rape Proving Minority Of The Victim For Imposition Of Death Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies rules on proving victim's minority in incestuous rape cases for the death penalty.
Workplace Brawl Upholding Conduct Standards FOR Court Employees
Court employees who brawl in office face administrative liability, even if they later settle their differences privately.
When Robbery Evidence Fails: Acquittal for Lack of Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in robbery with homicide where the prosecution failed to prove the taking of property, explaining the necessity of establishing corpus delicti beyond reasonable do
THE Mandatory Hearing Safeguarding DUE Process IN Bail Granting
Per Diem vs Other Compensation: Allowable Remuneration for Water District Board Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district board members may receive only per diems under PD 198, not allowances or bonuses.
Mortgage Validity and Protecting Property Rights Against Unauthorized Encumbrances
When a lease expires and a new agreement supersedes it, the original terms—including a right of first refusal—may no longer bind the parties or the buyer.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice of Dishonor Requirement in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a BP 22 accused because the prosecution failed to prove notice of dishonor was served on the drawer.
Regular Employment Status: Necessity of Work and Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when workers become regular employees based on necessity of work and security of tenure under Article 280.