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.
Theft Beyond Tangibles: When Telecom Services Became Personal Property
The Supreme Court ruled that telephone services and business can be the object of theft under the Revised Penal Code.
Falsification of Public Documents: Duty and Deception in Local Governance
Barangay officials convicted for falsifying a resolution under Article 171(2) of the Revised Penal Code. The Supreme Court explains why.
Acts of Lasciviousness vs Rape: When Touching Is Not Insertion in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when digital touching amounts to acts of lasciviousness rather than rape by sexual assault.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: Court Personnel Cannot Exercise Judicial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies that court personnel cannot exercise judicial discretion in granting execution pending appeal in election contests.
Burger Battle: Protecting Brand Identity Against Unfair Competition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the IPO's jurisdiction over unfair competition cases and the protection of well-known foreign trademarks in the Philippines.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court annuls a COMELEC ruling that nullified execution pending appeal in an election protest, clarifying the standards for the remedy.
Dishonesty in Public Office: The Price of False Entries and Delayed Deposits
A cashier's false cashbook entry and delayed bank deposits amount to dishonesty, warranting dismissal from government service.
Material Misrepresentation in a COC: When a False Statement Can Nullify an Election Win
A false statement in a Certificate of Candidacy on a material qualification can cancel a candidacy and nullify an election victory, as Velasco v. COMELEC shows.
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.
Mandamus and Manila Bay Cleanup: Defining Ministerial Duties in Environmental Protection
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay, defining environmental duties as ministerial.
Manila Bay Cleanup Case: Ministerial Duties and the Right to a Balanced Ecology
The Supreme Court ruled government agencies can be compelled by mandamus to clean up Manila Bay under environmental laws.
Adultery and Public Service: Proving Immorality Beyond Suspicion in Administrative Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on immorality cases against court employees: the need for competent evidence and the limits of double jeopardy in administrative proceedings.
Rape and Reasonable Doubt: Why the Supreme Court Spared an Incestuous Father from Death
The Supreme Court explains why a father convicted of raping his daughter was sentenced to reclusion perpetua, not death, for lack of proof of qualifying circumstances.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
Conspiracy and Treachery: Guilt Without Direct Action in People v. Bohol
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conspiracy, treachery, and murder liability for an accused who did not directly kill.
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.
When a Sheriff's Delay Undermines Justice: Lessons from Zamudio v. Auro
A deputy sheriff's repeated extensions to a judgment debtor and failure to file reports led to a finding of simple neglect of duty, with a fine imposed by the Supreme Court.
Legislative Apportionment vs Local Autonomy: When a Plebiscite Is Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that legislative reapportionment of a city into two districts does not require a plebiscite, distinguishing it from dividing a local government unit.
When Sangguniang Approval Is Needed for Local Government Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local chief executives need sanggunian approval before signing contracts binding their LGUs to new obligations.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name a different arbitration body.
Heirship Rights vs. Execution Sales: Protecting Inherited Property in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects heirs' rights when inherited property faces competing claims, and what the Dela Cruz ruling means for Filipino families.
Correcting Dispositive Errors When Can A Final Judgment BE Clarified
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a final and executory judgment may still be corrected for clerical errors or inadvertent omissions.
Forum Shopping Prohibition Filing Separate Actions FOR THE Same Relief Results IN Dismissal
Filing both an appeal and a certiorari petition over the same RTC orders is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why both cases were dismissed.