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.
NTC Primary Jurisdiction Over Access Charges in Interconnection Agreements
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the NTC has primary jurisdiction over access charges in interconnection agreements, and why courts must defer.
Due Process in Club Membership Suspensions: The Ching v. QCSC Ruling
When can a club suspend a member without a hearing? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules in Ching v. Quezon City Sports Club.
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability: People v. Layag
The Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final conviction extinguishes criminal liability and what happens to civil claims.
Extinguishment of Criminal Liability: Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and the civil liability ex delicto, citing Article 89 of the RPC.
Cooperative Debt Collection: Jurisdiction, Authority, and Interest Rates Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on cooperative debt collection, officer authority, and interest rate reductions in Fausto v. Multi Agri-Forest.
Second Motions for Reconsideration: Finality of Judgments and the Interest of Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that a second motion for reconsideration is prohibited, and final judgments are immutable and unalterable.
MERALCO Rate Case: Supreme Court Upholds ERC’s Shift to Performance-Based Regulation
Supreme Court affirms ERC’s shift to PBR for setting MERALCO rates, barring collateral attacks on administrative regulations.
Specific Performance vs Rescission: Contractual Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific performance or rescission applies in reciprocal obligations, using a Tagaytay property dispute as guide.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Inordinate Delay Violates Constitutional Rights
When the Ombudsman takes too long to investigate, the accused's constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases is violated.
Lis Pendens and Ill-Gotten Wealth: Protecting Public Interest Through Property Notices
The Supreme Court reinstates a notice of lis pendens on Marcos property, clarifying how procedural rules serve, not defeat, the recovery of ill-gotten wealth.
Balancing Free Press and Confidentiality When Attorney Discipline Becomes a Public Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when media reports on confidential lawyer disciplinary cases are protected by press freedom.
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
When Can a Governor Contract Without Board Approval? Key COA Ruling
A governor must secure sanggunian approval for contracts unless a specific appropriation covers the project. Learn the rules from a 2016 COA case.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Upholding Notarial Integrity: Personal Appearance Is Mandatory for Notaries
A notary who notarizes affidavits without the affiants' personal appearance faces suspension from law practice and loss of notarial commission.
Barangay Boundary Disputes: Why the Sanggunian, Not Courts, Resolves Them First
The Supreme Court clarifies that barangay boundary disputes must first be settled by the sanggunian, not the RTC, under the Local Government Code.
Specific Denial: How Philippine Courts Determine Liability in Contractual Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a third-party complaint may be denied and how contractual liability for delivering clean title is determined.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misusing Client Funds and Soliciting Bribe
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for absconding with client money and offering to bribe a judge, reaffirming ethical duties.
Ethical Boundaries: Lawyers' Duty to Avoid Abusive Language in Professional Dealings
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that demand letters must remain respectful, not abusive or defamatory, under Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Lawyer Suspended for Abusive Language in Demand Letter: A Lesson in Professional Conduct
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for using abusive, offensive language in a demand letter, reaffirming Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Dividends vs Capital Gains: Taxing Share Redemptions Under the RP-US Treaty
Supreme Court rules on whether share redemption proceeds are dividends or capital gains under Philippine tax law and the RP-US Tax Treaty.
Amending Pleadings: When Courts Should Grant Leave to File Amended Complaints
Explore when Philippine courts should allow amended pleadings, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a bank foreclosure case.
Striking a Balance: Upholding Justice Despite Procedural Lapses in Land Dispute Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that procedural delays undermine justice. Learn the rules on timely resolution and what this means for litigants.