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.
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Unlawful Search and Seizure: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Firearm Possession Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a man convicted of illegal firearm possession, clarifying the limits of warrantless searches and the right against unreasonable searches.
Divorce Initiated by Filipinos Abroad: Recognizing Foreign Divorce Decrees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that Filipino spouses can obtain and seek recognition of foreign divorce decrees, reversing a lower court ruling.
When Dismissal Fails Due Process: The Lapanday Foods Ruling on Valid Termination
Explore the Supreme Court's Lapanday Foods ruling on illegal dismissal, the twin notice rule, and what employers must prove to validly terminate employees.
Combating Human Trafficking: The State's Burden to Prove Trafficking for Prostitution
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of qualified human trafficking for prostitution, emphasizing that actual sexual intercourse is not required for conviction.
Final and Executory Judgments: The Doctrine of Immutability in Philippine Courts
Once a judgment becomes final and executory, courts cannot revisit it. Learn the doctrine of immutability, its exceptions, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
When Judges Are Sued for Judicial Acts: The Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable for erroneous orders, and when complaints are harassment.
Drug Case Dismissed: Why Chain of Custody Is Crucial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the place of arrest. Here's what this means for Section 21 compliance.
Supreme Court Acquits Drug Suspects: Strict Chain of Custody Still Required
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the arrest site. Learn the rule.
Chain of Custody Breach Warrants Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects where inventory was done at PDEA office, not arrest site, without justification.
Liability for Negligence: The High Cost of Low-Hanging Wires
A Supreme Court ruling holds an electric cooperative liable for a fatal motorcycle accident caused by low-hanging wires, applying the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur.
Co-Owner’s Lease Without Consent: Rights of Heirs and Lessees Explained
Can one co-owner lease shared property without the others’ consent? The Supreme Court explains the limits, the lessee’s rights, and the remedies for non-consenting heirs.
Election Transparency and Citizen Access to the Automated Election System in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of citizen access to the automated election system, including ballot printing, SD cards, and transmission data.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Is a Signature Just a Signature
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a signature on public documents constitutes falsification, and the distinction between mere signatures and legal falsification.
Mandamus Denied: Court Upholds Comelec Authority Over Election Technology Rules
Supreme Court dismisses petition to compel Comelec to issue election automation rules, citing procedural defects and lack of standing.
Lone Legislative Districts and Provincial Board Seats: The San Jose Del Monte Ruling
A lone legislative district is entitled to its own seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Supreme Court rules in Robes v. COMELEC.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Insights from the Supreme Court's Facebook Post Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises the penalty.
Proving Online Abuse: Social Media Evidence in VAWC Cases
Supreme Court clarifies how to prove authorship of social media posts in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when ICT use raises the penalty.
Proving Online Authorship in VAWC Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when ICT is used.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Reviving Accountability: Condonation Doctrine and Preventive Suspension in Philippine Governance
Supreme Court clarifies the condonation doctrine and preventive suspension rules for public officers facing administrative and criminal liability.
SEC Fraud Liability: When Projected Completion Dates Are Not Untrue Statements
Supreme Court clarifies that forward-looking statements in SEC registration filings are not automatically fraudulent misrepresentations under the Securities Regulation Code.