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.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Affidavit of Desistance in Rape Cases: Supreme Court Scrutiny and Victim Credibility
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite affidavit of desistance, ruling recanted affidavits are unreliable and victim testimony credible.
Illegal Slowdowns and Union Officer Dismissal: The Polyson Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a work slowdown becomes an illegal strike and justifies dismissal of union officers under Philippine labor law.
Upholding Candor and Fairness: Attorney Suspended for Unconscionable Fees and Deceitful Conduct
A lawyer who deceived elderly clients into signing an unfair fee agreement was suspended for five years. Learn the ethical rules on attorney's fees.
Attorney’s Fees and Ethical Conduct: Candor and Fairness in Lawyer-Client Relationships
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for five years for deceitful fee agreements and unfair dealings with elderly clients, reaffirming ethical duties.
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Treachery Defined: How Eyewitness Testimony Secures Murder Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies killing as murder and why a consistent eyewitness account outweighs an alibi defense.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Circumstantial Evidence and Parricide: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How circumstantial evidence can convict a husband of parricide when no eyewitness exists, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misusing Client Funds and Soliciting Bribe
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for absconding with client money and offering to bribe a judge, reaffirming ethical duties.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Cases and Unjustified Withdrawal
A lawyer who withdrew from a case without client consent or court approval was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Theft of Court Exhibit Undermines Judicial Integrity
Court personnel who steal exhibits betray the judiciary's trust. The Supreme Court's ruling in Castro shows why dismissal is the only fitting penalty.
Grave Misconduct of Register of Deeds: When Reliance on Documents Is Not Enough
A Register of Deeds cannot blindly rely on submitted documents. The Supreme Court explains when failure to verify tax payments amounts to grave misconduct.
Incomplete Self-Defense: When a Knife Is Not a Reasonable Means in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a knife against a belt buckle fails the "reasonable necessity" test for incomplete self-defense in homicide.
Merit vs Entitlement: Supreme Court on Government Promotions and Dishonesty
The Supreme Court rules that impersonation in civil service exams is serious dishonesty, even after resignation from government service.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases: What the Supreme Court Requires
Understand when self-defense fails in Philippine criminal law and how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Childhood: Defining Carnal Knowledge in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that slight penetration suffices for statutory rape, protecting child victims like a four-year-old in this case.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Obligations and Issuing Bouncing Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks and evading debts, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Disbarment for Forgery and Misrepresentation in Marriage Nullity Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed nullity petition without client's consent, forged signature, and misrepresented herself as counsel.
When a Court Employee's Side Business Crosses the Line: Moonlighting Rules Explained
Court stenographer's side business processing land titles led to administrative liability for moonlighting. Learn the rules and limits.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
Intent to Kill in Philippine Law: How Courts Prove Homicide and Fix Penalties
Philippine courts explain how intent to kill is proven in homicide cases, and when penalty and damages must be corrected on appeal.