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.
The Sanctity of the Home Safeguarding Against Unlawful Searches and Seizures
Philippine law protects homes from unlawful searches and seizures. Learn the rules, exceptions, and remedies for violations.
Unauthorized Prosecutor Filing: When Lack of Authority Invalidates a Criminal Case
An information filed by a prosecutor without prior written approval from the city or provincial prosecutor is a jurisdictional defect that cannot be cured by the accused's plea.
When Can You Challenge an Order Denying a Motion to Dismiss? The Caballes Case
The Supreme Court explains why an order denying a motion to dismiss is interlocutory and cannot be questioned via certiorari.
Preliminary Injunctions Preserving THE STATUS QUO IN Contract Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts handle preliminary injunctions and the status quo in contract disputes, with key rules on forum shopping.
Sufficiency of Information: The Critical Element of Manifest Partiality, Bad Faith, or Gross Negligence in Gra
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that an information under Section 3(e) of RA 3019 must allege manifest partiality, bad faith, or gross negligence.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches Incident Thereto: Balancing Rights and Law Enforcement in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests and incidental searches are valid under Philippine law, using a marijuana transport case.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
Lost Cargo Liability: Fire Does Not Excuse Common Carrier's Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court rules fire is not an exempting cause under the Civil Code, holding carriers liable for lost cargo.
When a Lawyer's Error Binds a Client: The Doctrine of Negligence in Philippine Litigation
Explore how the Supreme Court holds clients bound by their counsel's mistakes, and when courts may grant relief from a lawyer's negligence.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Judicial Overreach Approving Bail Outside Jurisdictional Boundaries 2
Supreme Court clarifies venue, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and limits on injunctions in environmental cases.
Finality of Judgment: Clarification vs. Modification of Court Orders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a final judgment may be clarified without violating the doctrine of immutability of judgments.
Sovereign Immunity Contracts With Foreign States AND Waiver OF Immunity
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic of Indonesia v. Vinzon on foreign sovereign immunity, waiver clauses, and embassy maintenance contracts.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Jurisdictional Requirement of Appeal Bonds in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory appeal bond requirement in Philippine labor cases and why failure to perfect an appeal on time is fatal.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Dying Declarations in Rape-Homicide: Admissibility and the Minor Offender's Penalty
A rape-homicide conviction anchored on the victim's dying declaration, and why the minor accused escaped the death penalty.
Surety Bonds, Deficiency Claims, and the Burden of Proof in Collection Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a demand for payment is valid and what evidence creditors must present to collect a deficiency after foreclosure.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstating a Dismissed Criminal Case: What the Supreme Court Says
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the rules on provisional dismissal.
When Counsel Dies: Attorney-Client Obligations and Appellate Deadlines in Amatorio v. People
The death of counsel does not excuse missed appellate deadlines. Amatorio v. People clarifies the binding effect of notices sent to law firms.
Plain View Doctrine and Warrantless Searches in Drug Possession Cases
When can police search a vehicle without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and moving vehicle exception in drug cases.
Weighing Evidence in Psychological Incapacity Cases Under Article 36
A Rule 45 petition questioning psychological incapacity findings raises questions of fact, not law, the Supreme Court rules.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.