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.
Sheriffs' Duty of Timely Execution and Reporting: Lessons from Vicsal v. Dela Cruz-Buendia
A sheriff's failure to file timely returns and furnish parties copies constitutes simple neglect of duty, as ruled in Vicsal Development Corp. v. Dela Cruz-Buendia.
Chain of Custody in Drug Sale Convictions: What People v. Aneslag Teaches
The Supreme Court explains why preserving the integrity of seized drugs matters more than strict procedural compliance in drug cases.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Against Unjust Prosecution
The Supreme Court affirms a trial judge's dismissal of murder cases for lack of probable cause, clarifying judicial discretion in warrant issuance.
Self-Defense and Proximate Cause in Homicide: Lessons from Belbis v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and how proximate cause links stab wounds to death in homicide cases.
Self-Defense and Proximate Cause: When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and treachery in homicide cases, reducing murder conviction to homicide.
Invasion of Privacy, Diplomats, and the Limits of Official Duty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic residence privacy, damages for invasion of privacy, and procedural rules in Rule 45 petitions.
Self-Defense vs Homicide: Understanding Criminal Intent in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and homicide stands, explaining unlawful aggression, dying declarations, and criminal liability.
Treachery and Self-Defense: Understanding Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: What the Supreme Court Requires Under Article 36
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, or abandonment is not enough to nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Accretion vs. Dried Riverbeds: Who Owns the Land in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court clarifies that land formed by a dried-up riverbed belongs to the State, not adjacent owners. Learn the rules on accretion and land registration.
Brokers Entitlement to Commission: The Efficient Procuring Cause in Real Estate Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission, the efficient procuring cause rule, and written authority contracts.
Bank Liability for Altered Checks and Employee Misconduct: Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Dela Rosa-Ramos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for altered checks and negligent employees, and how depositor contributory negligence affects damages.
Finality vs Justice: Reconciling Immutability of Judgments With Equitable Labor Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when a final judgment can be reconsidered, balancing the doctrine of immutability with the rights of illegally dismissed employees.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Consent and the Legal Threshold
How moral ascendancy replaces force in rape by a stepparent, and why proving the victim's age matters.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delay in Rendering Decisions
This article examines the Supreme Court's ruling on the consequences of delayed decisions and the importance of judicial accountability in the Philippine legal system.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Managerial Employees?
The Supreme Court in Manese v. Jollibee clarifies the less stringent standard for dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence.
Norkis Trading v. Buenavista: Labor-Only Contracting and Employer Status
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on labor-only contracting, employer status, and the binding effect of DOLE findings in Norkis Trading v. Buenavista.
Duty to Bargain Union Representation Despite Pending Cancellation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court rules on duty to bargain despite pending union cancellation, labor-only contracting, and illegal dismissal.
Defining Capital: Filipino Control of Public Utilities Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that mean in the Constitution's requirement that public utilities be at least 60% Filipino-owned? The answer—that "capital" refers to voting stock, not all outstanding shar
Perpetual Disqualification: How a Criminal Conviction Affects Candidacy in the Philippines
A criminal conviction can permanently bar a person from running for public office in the Philippines. Learn the rules on disqualification, substitution, and what voters should know.
Foreclosure vs Rehabilitation: When a Stay Order Takes Effect
A stay order in corporate rehabilitation does not undo a foreclosure completed before the petition. Ownership matters.
Loan Restructuring vs Foreclosure: Borrower Rights in the Philippines
When does a pending loan restructuring stop a bank from foreclosing? The Supreme Court explains borrower rights and limits.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.