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.
Justice Delayed Judge Fined FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court fined a retired MTC judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving cases, reaffirming that justice delayed is justice denied.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee who solicited P1 million for a favorable decision was dismissed. The Supreme Court reaffirms strict standards for court personnel.
Maintaining Professionalism: Lawyers' Duty to Courteous Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lawyer discipline for uncivil conduct toward fellow attorneys, citing Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Philippine Law
A confession is inadmissible if the accused lacked truly competent, independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Breach of Trust: When a Lawyer's Actions Lead to Ethical Misconduct
When a lawyer solicits a client's letter then uses it against them, the Supreme Court says it is misconduct.
Voluntary Confessions and Custodial Rights: Lessons from People v. Bacor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an extrajudicial confession is admissible, the role of counsel, and what makes a valid waiver of rights.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.
Safeguarding Suffrage When CAN Philippine Elections GO Manual
When can Philippine elections shift from automated to manual counting? The Supreme Court explains in Loong v. COMELEC.
Judicial Accountability: Why Courts Must Follow Procedure in Capital Cases
Philippine Supreme Court annuls death sentence in rape case, reminding trial courts that guilty pleas in capital offenses require full evidentiary proof.