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.
Restrictive Custody vs Illegal Detention: Habeas Corpus in Philippine National Police Custody
Understand the difference between restrictive custody and illegal detention, and when habeas corpus applies in Philippine National Police custody cases.
Election Gun Ban and Airsoft Guns: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's inclusion of airsoft guns in the election gun ban but excluded replicas and imitations.
Judicial Appointments and the Election Ban: De Castro v. Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules on whether the President may appoint the Chief Justice during the election ban on midnight appointments.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Municipality Liability for Excavation Accidents on National Roads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on municipal liability for injuries from road excavations, even on national roads under municipal control.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Safeguarding Liberty: The Mandatory Hearing Rule in Bail Petitions for Capital Offenses
A judge's duty to hold a bail hearing for capital offenses is mandatory, even when the prosecution fails to present evidence, as shown in this administrative case.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Stop-and-Frisk Doctrine: Balancing Public Safety and Individual Rights in Drug Cases
Explaining the stop-and-frisk exception to warrantless searches in Philippine drug cases, and how courts balance public safety with constitutional rights.