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.
Intent Matters Distinguishing Robbery With Homicide From Separate Crimes of Homicide and Theft
When theft follows a killing as an afterthought, the crime is not robbery with homicide but separate offenses. The Supreme Court explains why intent matters.
Drawing the Line When Gun Display Becomes Direct Assault on Traffic Enforcers
Supreme Court clarifies when pointing a gun at a traffic enforcer constitutes direct assault, not mere resistance, under Philippine law.
Foreclosure Jurisdiction: Assessed Value of Property Determines the Proper Court
In foreclosure suits, the property's assessed value—not the loan amount—determines which court has jurisdiction. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court clarifies when persistent fist blows from a drunk aggressor constitute unlawful aggression justifying self-defense in the Philippines.
Self-Defense in Fistfight Cases: Supreme Court Acquits Laborer in Homicide Case
Supreme Court clarifies self-defense in fistfight cases, acquitting a laborer who killed a drunk attacker with two punches.
Probable Cause and Dismissal: Examining Double Murder Charges in Montilla v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies judicial probable cause, venue vs. jurisdiction, and dismissal of double murder charges in Montilla v. People.
Government Expropriation and Bad Faith in Land Valuation Disputes
When does flawed land valuation in expropriation become a crime? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of bad faith in government takings.
Simple vs Grave Misconduct: Good Faith and Service in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procedural lapse is simple misconduct, not grave misconduct, in government service.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules on liability of government officers for disallowed funds, emphasizing good faith and diligence in public service.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for fund mismanagement, tampered receipts, and delayed deposits.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Child Abuse and Sexual Assault: Understanding Philippine Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law punishes child abuse and sexual assault, including key rules on evidence and penalties.
When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
PhilHealth Claims: Supreme Court Protects Healthcare Providers’ Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court ruled PhilHealth violated due process in claims against Quezon City Eye Center, reinforcing procedural fairness in administrative cases.
Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Disbarment for Gross Immorality: Marital Infidelity and the Lawyer's Duty of Good Moral Character
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality and marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Breach of Trust When Court Personnel Exploit Position FOR Personal Gain
When a lawyer misappropriates client funds and neglects a case, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.