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.
Public Bidding Violations and Accountability: Lessons from the QUEDANCOR Swine Program Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government credit programs fall outside RA 9184's procurement rules, and how administrative liability attaches.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Unlawful Detainer Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A court cannot order a person to vacate property not named in the unlawful detainer complaint. Learn the jurisdictional rules.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
Illegal Drug Sales in the Philippines: When Is the Transaction Complete?
The Supreme Court clarifies what completes an illegal drug sale under RA 9165, a key ruling for buy-bust operations and criminal defense.
Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Ethical Duties in Property Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's misconduct highlights the ethical boundaries court personnel must observe in property disputes.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Duty to Return Client Funds in the Philippines
When a lawyer fails to render service and keeps client money, the Supreme Court imposes suspension and restitution. Learn the rules.
Late Judicial Affidavits in Philippine Courts: When Late Submission Is Allowed
Learn when Philippine courts may allow late judicial affidavit submission under the Judicial Affidavit Rule, citing Say v. Dizon.
Slightest Penetration Rule in Philippine Rape Law: What It Means
Philippine law treats rape as consummated by the slightest penetration, even mere touching of the labia majora. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Rape vs. Lascivious Conduct: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual acts against minors are rape or lascivious conduct under RA 7610.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Dampilag Ruling on Impersonation
The Supreme Court affirms that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from service.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing Criminal Charges Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing baseless criminal complaints constitutes malicious prosecution, and what damages may be awarded.
Direct Bribery in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Mangulabnan v. People
Direct bribery explained through a landmark Supreme Court case: elements of the crime, evidentiary standards, and practical lessons for public officers.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: Insights from Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Pascual v. Sitel Philippines Corporation.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Petition for Relief and Extrinsic Fraud: Jurisdiction Limits in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle petitions for relief from judgments, the role of extrinsic fraud, and jurisdictional limits under Rule 38.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Administrative Liability and the Limits of Official Duties in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty shows how receiving benefits during suspension violates public trust and administrative rules.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.