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.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Gambling: Supreme Court Acquits Accused in Cara y Cruz Case
Supreme Court acquits two men of illegal gambling under PD 1602, ruling that vague police testimony cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Oral Share Sale Agreements in the Philippines: Enforceability and Remedies After Breach
Learn when oral agreements to sell shares are enforceable in the Philippines, and the remedies available when a seller backs out.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.
Bangsamoro Organic Law Upheld: Supreme Court Affirms Autonomy and Self-Determination
The Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, upholding the right to self-determination and the establishment of the BARMM.
Safeguarding Justice: The Judiciary Marshals Act and Its Implementing Rules
The Supreme Court approved the IRR of the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating an armed unit to protect judges and secure the courts.
Kidnapping for Ransom in the Philippines: Liability and Conspiracy Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies kidnapping for ransom liability, conspiracy, and penalties in People v. Olidan (G.R. No. 263920).
When Eyewitness Identification Is Not Enough to Convict: A Philippine Supreme Court Analysis
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide convict, ruling that a suggestive out-of-court identification through a cartographic sketch is unreliable evidence.
Reconveyance Actions and Fraud Allegations: What a Complaint Must Allege
A reconveyance suit fails if fraud is only alleged in general terms. The Supreme Court explains what a complaint must state.
Sheriff’s Abuse of Authority: Protecting Your Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn the limits of a sheriff’s authority under Rule 39 and how the Supreme Court protects property rights in Ignacio v. Balading.
Competency of Witnesses With Intellectual Disabilities: Safeguarding Justice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that intellectual disability alone does not disqualify a witness, provided they can perceive and communicate their perceptions.
Floating Status in Philippine Labor Law: When Suspension Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when an employee's floating status becomes illegal dismissal under Philippine law, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Attorney Misconduct: Handling Client Funds and Accountability in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine lawyers must account for client funds and return unused amounts, based on Supreme Court rulings on attorney discipline.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: How a Judicial Admission Can Affect Your Rights in the Philippines
A judicial admission can excuse gaps in the chain of custody—but only up to a point. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a drug possession case.
Qualified Trafficking of a Minor: Key Lessons from People v. Cañas
A look at qualified trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and what the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cañas means for child protection.
Probationary Employment in the Philippines: Understanding Regularization Standards
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees may be validly terminated for failing to meet regularization standards under Philippine law.
Insanity Defense in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Criminal Liability
The insanity defense in Philippine criminal law requires clear proof of mental illness at the time of the crime. This case explains the rules.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Protecting Employee Rights: How Forced Resignation Leads to Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when forced resignation amounts to constructive dismissal, protecting employees from hostile work environments and coercive employer conduct.
Bill of Particulars in Philippine Criminal Procedure: What Enrile v. Sandiganbayan Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies the role and limits of a bill of particulars in criminal cases, and the remedies available to an accused.
When Is an Accusation Enough? Conspiracy and Probable Cause After the Pastor Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a co-accused's confession can establish conspiracy and probable cause, and when it cannot.
Defense of Relatives in the Philippines: When Is Killing Justified?
Philippine law allows killing to defend a relative, but strict conditions apply. Learn the rules from the Galorio case.
HIV Status and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Protections for OFWs
The Supreme Court ruled that terminating an OFW solely because of HIV status is illegal dismissal, affirming Philippine law protections.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: When Flawed Identification Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits an accused when eyewitness identification is unreliable. Learn the totality of circumstances test and key safeguards.