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.
Percentage Tax on Commercial Brokers: Lessons from Nichimen Corporation
When does a branch office become a commercial broker liable for percentage tax? The Supreme Court clarifies in Nichimen Corporation.
Due Process and Jurisdiction in Teacher Discipline: Emin v. De Leon
Emin v. De Leon clarifies due process and jurisdiction in administrative cases against public school teachers under the Magna Carta.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy works in plunder cases, and why each accused is liable only for acts they committed.
Due Process in Bail Hearings: The Prosecution's Right to Present Evidence
The Supreme Court nullified a bail grant because the trial court denied the prosecution its day in court, reaffirming that bail hearings must respect due process for both sides.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.
Judicial Accountability: Timely Case Resolution and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed case decisions underscores the duty of Philippine judges to resolve cases within reglementary periods.
Sheriff's Authority: Limits and Liabilities in Writ Implementation
A sheriff who deputizes police to enforce a writ outside his jurisdiction commits abuse of authority, as Torres v. Cabesuela shows.
The Element of Surprise: Establishing Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defines treachery in murder cases, using a 2001 decision as a guide.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 violations explains when fines replace imprisonment and clarifies due process rights in bouncing checks cases.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Courts May Impose Fine Instead of Imprisonment
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, courts may impose only a fine instead of imprisonment, depending on the circumstances.
Serving Multiple Prison Terms in the Philippines: The Rule on Successive Sentences
Philippine law requires imprisonment terms for multiple offenses to be served successively, not simultaneously. Learn the rule under the Revised Penal Code.
Sale vs Commodatum: Property Rights and Contractual Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to distinguish sale from commodatum, and why proving ownership in recovery actions requires clear evidence of title and identity.
Lawyer Suspended Two Years for Misappropriating Client Funds and Ignoring Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's failure to file pleadings and misuse of client money led to a two-year suspension.
Expropriation and Urban Development: When Can a City Take Private Land for Socialized Housing?
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-stage process of expropriation and when compliance with RA 7279's acquisition priorities must be shown.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and SEC Jurisdiction Over Listed Banks
Supreme Court clarifies that listed banks must comply with SEC disclosure rules despite BSP supervision, explaining agency jurisdiction and administrative remedies.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Agency Prerogative and Orderly Legal Process
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld SEC disclosure rules for listed banks, clarifying the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining Utter Insensitivity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable personality disorders, not mere emotional immaturity or irresponsibility.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Abuse of Authority: Clerks of Court Must Not Issue Subpoenas Without a Pending Case
A clerk of court who issued a subpoena without any pending case was fined P5,000 for grave misconduct. Know the limits of court authority.
Regalian Doctrine vs Indigenous Rights: The IPRA Landmark Case
The Supreme Court's 7-7 split in Cruz v. DENR left the IPRA intact, shaping how ancestral domains and the Regalian doctrine interact today.
Battling Court Delays: Understanding Summary Procedure Violations in the Philippines
A judge's fine for granting extensions and delaying a forcible entry case—what the Supreme Court ruling means for speedy justice.
Bouncing Checks Under B.P. 22: When a Check Used as Loan Security Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check is a crime under B.P. 22, even if the check was only security for a loan.
Unlawful Aggression in Self-Defense: Key to Avoiding Murder Charges in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines unlawful aggression in self-defense claims and why failing to prove it can lead to murder or homicide convictions.
Lost Property Due to Foreclosure: Understanding Notice Requirements in the Philippines
A judge who ignored a TRO and demolished a home was disciplined. Learn the notice rules that protect property rights in Philippine foreclosure and ejectment cases.