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.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Venue Rules for Graft Cases Against Officials: Insights from Non v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies venue rules for graft cases against public officials under R.A. 10660, requiring trial outside the official's home region.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
SSS v. Seno: Trial Court Discretion Over Withdrawal of Criminal Information
Supreme Court clarifies trial court discretion in denying withdrawal of criminal information and limits on ordering reinvestigation in SSS contribution cases.
Finality of Court Control Over Criminal Cases: SSS v. Seno on Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in SSS v. Seno on trial court discretion over motions to withdraw criminal informations and due process limits.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
Understanding Jurisdictional Limits in Lease Disputes: A Guide to Security Deposits and Court Competence
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease disputes over security deposits fall under municipal trial courts versus regional trial courts.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Constitutional Rights vs Preliminary Investigation: When Evidence Admissibility Matters
Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary investigations cannot be suspended on prejudicial question grounds, and evidence admissibility is for trial, not preliminary inquiry.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police failed to secure an elected official and follow Section 21 of RA 9165.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Ensures Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Key to a Fair Trial
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the prosecution's duty to prove evidence integrity.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Protocols
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police broke the chain of custody, and what this means for fair trials.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the rule that preserves evidence integrity.
Attorney Accountability: Negligence and Duty to Client in Legal Representation
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for negligence—missing pre-trial, defective motions, and concealing case status from client.
When Can a Landlord Claim Unpaid Rent: Lessons from Booklight v. Tiu
Learn when landlords can claim unpaid rent and why tenants must present evidence at pre-trial, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police noncompliance with Section 21 chain of custody rules, reaffirming that presumption of regularity cannot replace strict compliance.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
Testimony After Trauma: Res Gestae and Proving Guilt in Rape Cases
When a rape victim dies before trial, can her words still convict? The Supreme Court explains the res gestae exception to hearsay.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Clarifying the Right to Be Heard
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases means a fair opportunity to be heard, not a formal trial-type hearing.