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.
Disbarment for Legal Counsels Dishonest and Unlawful Conduct
A lawyer's duty to hold client funds in trust, and the consequences of misappropriation after a client's death.
Ombudsmans Discretion Investigating Complaints Against Public Officials IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's discretionary power to investigate complaints against public officials and the limits of judicial review.
Negligence and Security Protocol: Defining Duty in Judicial Premises
Supreme Court ruling on security guard negligence in judicial premises, explaining duty standards, simple neglect, and penalties under civil service rules.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
The Insanity Defense: Establishing the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense and treachery rules in a murder appeal, reducing conviction to homicide with precise legal standards.
Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
Reconveyance Actions and Prescription: Heirs of Pomposa Saludares v. Court of Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reconveyance actions prescribe and why registered owners can keep indefeasible titles after 10 years.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short: The Burden of Proof in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that conspiracy in robbery with homicide requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, but concerted acts establish liability.
Judicial Accountability: Judges Must Respect Due Process and Avoid Abusive Language
A judge's intemperate language toward lawyers violates judicial decorum. The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion and accountability.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.
Closure of Business: Employer's Right vs Union Busting Allegations in Labor Disputes
When can an employer close shop without being guilty of union busting? The Supreme Court explains the rules on legitimate business closure.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Ensuring Proper Venue IN Philippine Election Disputes
Philippine election disputes require strict adherence to jurisdictional rules; this case clarifies which courts have authority.
Forum Shopping and Foreclosure: Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries in Mortgage Disputes
When properties in different provinces are foreclosed, filing separate suits to stop each sale is not forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
The Boundaries of Self Defense When Force Becomes Unlawful Aggression in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense is valid and when force becomes unlawful aggression in criminal cases.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries 2
Supreme Court clarifies venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and limits on injunctions in environmental cases.
Ejectment Suits: Registered Ownership vs. Co-Ownership Claims in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, registered ownership prevails over co-ownership claims, but only for possession purposes.
When Retirement Is Not Voluntary: Illegal Dismissal and Security of Tenure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's "retirement" is actually illegal dismissal, protecting security of tenure.
Court Employee's Immorality Case: When a "Kasunduan" Cannot Justify an Affair
Philippine Supreme Court rules a court employee's illicit relationship violates conduct standards, despite a private "Kasunduan" allowing separation.
Self-Defense and Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine law.
Unlawful Arrest and Admissible Evidence: Key Lessons from a Robbery Case
How the Supreme Court protected constitutional rights by excluding evidence from an unlawful warrantless arrest in a robbery case.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.