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.
Limits of Judicial Authority: Why Judges Cannot Redefine Charges in Bail Hearings
A judge conducting a preliminary investigation cannot change the crime charged to justify granting bail. Learn the limits of judicial authority.
Lawyer Suspended for Contempt of Court: Upholding Attorneys’ Duty to Obey Court Orders
A lawyer's defiance of a writ of execution led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that attorneys must obey court orders or face disciplinary action.
Separate Legal Claims WHY Improper Case Consolidation Violates DUE Process
Why the Supreme Court ruled that separate libel complaints against a publisher cannot be consolidated against one defendant without violating due process.
The Weight of Witness Testimony and Identity in Homicide Convictions
How Philippine courts assess eyewitness identification and credibility in homicide cases, and why knowing a face matters more than knowing a name.
Venue vs Jurisdiction in Libel Cases: Protecting Press Freedom
Explaining the difference between venue and jurisdiction in Philippine libel cases and how the rules protect freedom of the press.
Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment: When Conspiracy and Acts of Participation Establish Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when a person who did not collect fees can still be liable for large-scale illegal recruitment through conspiracy.
Succession in Public Office: Enforcing Court Orders Against a Deceased Official's Successor
When a public officer dies, can a court order be enforced against the successor? The Supreme Court clarifies substitution rules.
Public Accountability: Mayor's Liability for Double Payments Despite Subordinate Reliance
A mayor cannot escape liability for double payments by blaming subordinates, especially when checks were made payable to him personally.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Enforcement and Contempt for Non-Compliance
Supreme Court enforces disbarment ruling, cites lawyer for contempt and disobedience for defying final judgment and return order.
When One Witness Is Enough: Credibility and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A single credible witness can sustain an estafa conviction. This article explains the rule from Panahon v. People and its practical implications.
When Duty and Danger Collide: Justifiable Homicide in the Line of Duty
A police officer's shooting of an escapee who grabbed an M16 was justified as fulfillment of duty, not homicide.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Powers, Due Process, and the Limits of a Judge's Discretion
A judge's contempt power has limits. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a judge for denying a lawyer's right to post bond.
Granting Bail After Final Judgment Is Gross Ignorance of the Law: A Lesson for Judges
A judge who granted bail to a convict already serving a final sentence was held liable for gross ignorance of the law. Learn the rules.
Administrative Complaints Against Judges: When Errors Are Not Enough for Sanctions
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's errors warrant administrative sanctions, and when they do not.
Bail in Drug Cases: Judges Must Follow Due Process and Know the Law
Supreme Court disciplines a judge for granting bail without hearing in drug cases, stressing judicial competence and mandatory bail hearings.
Protecting Children: Defining Lascivious Conduct and Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct and child abuse under RA 7610, protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Moral Turpitude and Lawyer Disbarment: Issuing a Bouncing Check
A lawyer's conviction for issuing a bouncing check under BP 22 involves moral turpitude and warrants disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Fear and Necessity Do Not Excuse Issuing Bad Checks
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncontrollable fear and state of necessity cannot excuse liability under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.