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.
Impartiality on the Bench: Overcoming Bias Allegations in Philippine Courts
A notary public's duty to verify signatories personally is sacrosanct. This case explains the consequences of failing that duty.
Judicial Temperament: Upholding Impartiality and Avoiding Bias in Court Proceedings
A judge's dismissal for gross misconduct and ignorance of law underscores the need for judicial temperament, impartiality, and restraint.
Judicial Impartiality: Proving Bias Claims in Administrative Cases Against Judges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bias claims against judges need substantial evidence, not speculation, in administrative proceedings.
State Witness Credibility: The Imperative of Unbiased Testimony in Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on witness credibility, bias, and the weight of testimony in criminal cases.
Maintaining Impartiality: Why a Judge's Demeanor Matters in Philippine Courts
A judge's private talks with a litigant can create an appearance of bias. The Supreme Court explains why demeanor and perceived impartiality matter.
Judicial Bias Understanding When A Judge Must Step Down IN Philippine Courts
Learn when Philippine judges must inhibit or step down from a case due to bias, based on Supreme Court rulings and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Judicial Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delay and impropriety, explaining why judges must avoid even the appearance of bias.
Physical Evidence Prevails Over Witness Testimony in Traffic Collision Liability
Supreme Court ruling on vehicular accidents: physical evidence outweighs biased witness testimony in determining fault and liability.
Fair Trial or Biased Judge: When a Trial Judge's Questions Are Proper in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's clarificatory questions during trial are proper and do not prove judicial bias.
When Can a Judge Be Disqualified for Bias? Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judge's rulings amount to disqualifying bias, and why adverse decisions alone are not enough.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Unlicensed Firearm Possession and Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tobias
The Supreme Court explains when a firearm is considered unlicensed, and why a belatedly obtained license cannot cure illegal possession.
Self Defense Claims in Philippine Criminal Law: When Do They Hold Up
Philippine courts require unlawful aggression, reasonable necessity, and lack of provocation for self-defense. Learn from People v. Tobias.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: The Cold Neutrality Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the constitutional requirement of judicial impartiality, emphasizing that judges must not only be unbiased but must also appear impartial to litigants.