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.
Navigating the Fine Line Between Legal Picketing and Illegal Strikes in the Philippines
When does a peaceful protest become an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and the consequences for union officers.
Execution Pending Appeal in Philippine Election Cases: Upholding the Electorate's Will
When can a winning candidate take office while an election protest is on appeal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on execution pending appeal.
Habeas Corpus as a Remedy for Excessive Penalties: Understanding Sentence Reclassification in the Philippines
When can habeas corpus challenge an excessive penalty? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of sentence reclassification under R.A. 8353.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Defining Obscenity in Philippine Law: Liability for Immoral Publications
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law defines obscenity and who may be held liable for selling or exhibiting pornographic materials.
Demolition and Due Process: Understanding Nuisance Per Se in Philippine Law
When can government demolish property without court order? The Supreme Court explains nuisance per se, police power, and the limits of due process.
Death Penalty Abolition Impact on Penalties for Attempted Crimes in the Philippines
How R.A. 9346 changed penalties for attempted qualified rape—explained through People v. Bon, including the reclusion temporal ruling.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.
When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases: When "Good Reasons" Are Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal in election cases is allowed and why "good reasons" must be clearly established.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Rights of the Accused in Philippine Law
Explaining when amending a criminal information after a plea is allowed, and why double jeopardy did not bar re-arraignment in Cabo v. Sandiganbayan.
When a Plea Does Not Bar Re-Arraignment: Double Jeopardy and Defective Informations
The Supreme Court explains when a conditional arraignment and an amended information do not trigger double jeopardy protections in Philippine criminal procedure.
When Government Salaries Can Be Withheld: The Santiago COA Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when COA may withhold a government employee's salary for an alleged cash shortage, and when it cannot apply the withheld amounts.
Proximate Cause in Homicide Cases: Lessons from Operiano v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a kick that leads to a fatal fall constitutes homicide, clarifying proximate cause rules in the Philippines.
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.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Mandatory Suspension of Public Officials: Falsification of Documents as Fraud Against Government Funds
Explaining Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan: when falsification of official documents triggers mandatory preventive suspension under RA 3019.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.