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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Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Navigating Libel in the Philippines: Defamation, Privileged Communication, and Free Speech
Understand Philippine libel law through a landmark case—what defamation requires, when privileged communication applies, and the penalties involved.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.
When Rape Is Attempted, Not Consummated: The Miranda Case on Penetration
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted rather than consummated, and how penalties and damages differ under Philippine law.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
Sheriffs Neglect of Duty and the Consequences of Delayed Writ Execution in the Philippines
A sheriff's failure to execute a writ with reasonable dispatch is gross neglect of duty, carrying severe administrative penalties.
Judicial Contempt Limits on Punishment and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies limits on a judge's contempt power, including maximum penalties and the right to post bond.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
Compassionate Justice: Evaluating Penalties and Granting Clemency in Judiciary Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court grants judicial clemency to a dismissed judge, balancing discipline with compassion in administrative cases.
When Defiance Meets Clemency Reassessing Penalties FOR Judicial Insubordination
Habitual Absenteeism in the Philippine Civil Service: Allowable Absences and Penalties Explained
Understand the rule on habitual absenteeism in the Philippine civil service, the allowable leave credits, and how penalties are determined.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Court Employee's Dismissal for Soliciting Money from Litigant Upheld
Court personnel who demand money from litigants face dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the penalties and rules in Buyag v. Caliwag.
Real Property TAX Penalties Illegal Overcharges AND Taxpayer Protection Under THE Real Property TAX Code
Termination vs Rescission: Lease Contract Disputes and Penalties in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal difference between terminating and rescinding a lease contract, and when penalties apply.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Upholding Union Democracy: Illegal Suspensions, Elections, and Financial Transparency
Supreme Court affirms penalties for union officers who suspended members without due process, held premature elections, and failed to render financial reports.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Upholding Accountability Consequences FOR Habitual Absenteeism IN Public Service
The Supreme Court rules on habitual absenteeism in public service, clarifying penalties, AWOL rules, and mitigating circumstances.