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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Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Res Judicata and Finality: When an Unsigned Supreme Court Resolution Binds Only the Parties
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified that unsigned resolutions bind only parties, not the public, and what it means for cyber libel prescription.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability
Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.
Habeas Corpus and Libel: Limits of Retroactive Application of Favorable Penalties
When can a convict seek habeas corpus and demand retroactive application of a favorable penalty rule? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of libel complaint against prosecutor who questioned a judge's moral fitness in official pleadings.
When Words Are Not Libel: Understanding Defamation in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insulting or offensive words are not automatically libel; defamation requires imputation of a crime, vice, or defect.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Navigating Libel in the Digital Age: Defining Jurisdiction in Online Defamation
The Supreme Court clarifies where online libel cases may be filed, ruling that mere internet access does not determine venue.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Who May File Libel Cases: City Prosecutor vs Provincial Prosecutor
Supreme Court rules on which prosecutor has authority to file libel Informations, and why a wrong prosecutor's filing is a fatal jurisdictional defect.
Press Freedom vs. Fair Comment: The Limits of Libel Law in Tulfo v. People
The Supreme Court in Tulfo v. People clarifies when press freedom ends and criminal libel begins, applying the actual malice standard to defamatory columns.
Publisher's Knowledge Not Required for Libel Conviction Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules a publisher can be convicted of libel even without knowledge of the libelous article, citing Article 360 of the Revised Penal Code.
Safeguarding Free Speech: The Imperative of Stating a Cause of Action in Libel Cases
Philippine Daily Inquirer v. Alameda clarifies that libel complaints must allege specific facts, protecting press freedom from vague claims.
Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
Understanding Privileged Communication in Philippine Libel Law: The Alcantara Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protects statements made during preliminary investigations from libel claims through the doctrine of privileged communication.
Workplace Libel in the Philippines: When Accusations Against Superiors Lead to Dismissal
Philippine law on workplace libel: when accusations against superiors become criminal and grounds for dismissal. Learn the rules.
Venue Is Key: Why Your Libel Case Might Be Dismissed Before It Even Starts in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue in estate cases, and why filing in the wrong place can get your case dismissed early.
Supreme Court: Probable Cause for Libel Despite Fair Comment Defense
SC reinstates libel case over article on minor's underwear, ruling fair comment defense needs full trial.
Defamation and the Limits of Public Interest: Protecting Private Individuals From Unjustified Scorn
When does public interest end and defamation begin? The Binay case clarifies the limits of privileged communication in libel.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: Defining Libel in Philippine Journalism
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the line between press freedom and libel in a landmark 2006 case.