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.
Dishonesty and Insubordination in the Workplace: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
The Supreme Court rules on serious dishonesty and gross insubordination by a court employee who tampered with her daily time record.
Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
When Judges Overstep Authority: Due Process in Execution Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies judicial authority in execution proceedings, dismissing administrative charges against a judge while reminding litigants of proper remedies.
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.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
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.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Court Sheriff Misconduct Handling Funds and Abuse of Authority: A.M. No. P-23-111
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple and gross misconduct for receiving and misappropriating litigant funds without judicial approval.
Qualified Rape vs. Statutory Rape: Supreme Court Clarifies Child Sexual Abuse Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper legal designation for child sexual abuse cases, distinguishing qualified rape from statutory rape under Philippine law.
Undue Delay in Court: When a Judge Is Liable and What the Consequences Are
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative liability, and the penalties under the amended Rule 140.
Judicial Corruption: When Can Evidence From a Government-Issued Laptop Be Used
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on using evidence from a government-issued laptop in administrative cases against judges.
When IPRA Customary Law Claims Collide with Final Judgments: Lessons from Spouses Sending v. Co Uy
The Supreme Court clarifies when indigenous customary laws apply in disputes and why final judgments cannot be overturned through belated IPRA claims.
Motion to Withdraw Information: When Courts Must Assess Evidence Before Dismissal
Courts must independently assess evidence before granting a motion to withdraw information. Learn the rules from a recent Sandiganbayan case.
When Agrarian Disputes Trump Criminal Cases: The Bacar Doctrine on Automatic Referral
The Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases like qualified theft must be referred to the DAR, protecting tenant farmers' rights.
Understanding Special Leave Benefits for Women: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the procedural requirements for special leave benefits for women, emphasizing the importance of the three-day notice rule in motions.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: When a Dismissed Judge Can Be Forgiven
The Supreme Court explains the rules on judicial clemency and when a dismissed judge may recover retirement benefits.
Homeowners Association Disputes: Jurisdiction and Rights Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts handle homeowners association disputes, including jurisdiction rules and the proper remedies for aggrieved parties.
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.
Online Libel Penalties in the Philippines: Fine or Imprisonment After Soliman
The Supreme Court clarifies that online libel may be punished with fine only, not just imprisonment, and explains how to compute the penalty.
When Media Interviews Can Lead to Indirect Contempt: The ABS-CBN v. Ampatuan Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the sub judice rule and when media interviews of witnesses may constitute indirect contempt.
Supreme Court on Plea Bargaining: Courts May Overrule Prosecution's Objection in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts can allow plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, citing People v. Montierro.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
Defective Summons Voids Trustee Appointment: Key Lessons from Diversified Plastic Film v. PI-One
Defective summons can void court proceedings. Learn the jurisdictional limits and SPV Act requirements from this Supreme Court ruling.
Expropriation and Just Compensation: Understanding Legal Interest in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal interest rates landowners can claim when the government delays payment of just compensation in expropriation cases.