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.
Jurisdiction in Swindling Cases: How Penalties Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how penalties and fines determine which court hears swindling cases under the Revised Penal Code.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Intersection Collisions and Driver Negligence: Who Has the Right of Way in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies right of way rules, driver negligence, and fault in intersection collisions under RA 4136.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
Falsification of Public Documents and Suspension Pendente Lite Under Anti-Graft Law
Explains when public officers may be suspended pendente lite for falsification of public documents involving fraud upon government funds.
Limits of Mandamus Court Discretion in Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel a judge to dismiss criminal cases, and when it cannot.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Perjury and Venue: Where the False Statement Truly Matters
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled that venue in perjury cases depends on where the false statement is used, not where it is notarized.
When Landlords Can Cut Utilities: Lessons from Barbasa v. Tuquero
Learn when a lessor may lawfully disconnect utilities under a lease's penalty clause without committing grave coercion.
The Perils of Alibi: Positive Identification Overrides Defense in Robbery and Rape Case
In People v. Gayeta, the Supreme Court affirmed that positive identification by credible witnesses prevails over an alibi defense in robbery and rape convictions.
The Critical Element of Penile Penetration in Statutory Rape Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that in statutory rape, each count requires proof of penile penetration, even when the victim is below 12.
Delayed Retirement Benefits: Balancing Public Service and Official Discretion
A retired bookkeeper's unpaid terminal leave leads to graft charges against a mayor, but the Supreme Court dismisses the case on procedural grounds.
When Lawyers Fall Short: Disbarment for Gross Immoral Conduct
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for abandoning his wife and children to cohabit with another woman, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the bar.
Conspiracy and Falsification: Probable Cause in Private Document Cases
How the Supreme Court clarified that conspiracy allegations in falsification cases need only probable cause at preliminary stages, not proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Contempt of Court: Due Process and Just Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure and penalties for indirect contempt, emphasizing due process rights.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Financial Misappropriation Cases
Explore when breach of trust constitutes estafa under Philippine law, and why agricultural leasehold tenants cannot be prosecuted for it.
Judge Fined for Delayed Decision in Carnapping Case: Duty to Decide Promptly
Supreme Court fines judge P2,000 for undue delay in deciding a carnapping case, stressing judges must decide cases promptly or seek extensions.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Judicial Conduct When Procedural Missteps Dont Equal Gross Ignorance of the Law
When do a judge's procedural errors amount to gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Sibulo v. Toledo-Mupas.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.