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.
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Rape With a Deadly Weapon: When the Charge Must Be Upgraded to Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with a deadly weapon or by multiple offenders becomes qualified rape, raising the penalty.
Liberal Interpretation of Appeal Rules in Administrative Cases: The Neypes Fresh Period Rule Limitation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies only to judicial appeals, not administrative appeals like those before the Office of the President.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Accountability in Public Works: Grave Misconduct in Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DPWH officials for grave misconduct over irregular change orders in road project.
Judicial Impropriety: A Judge's Debt and the Appearance of Justice
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to pay a debt, explaining the line between impropriety and willful failure to pay.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Authentic Decree, Not Mere LRA Certification
Supreme Court clarifies that reconstitution of lost titles needs authentic sources; a decree unavailable in LRA records cannot support it.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Total and Permanent Disability in Maritime Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's partial disability becomes total and permanent under the POEA-SEC and Labor Code.
Double Jeopardy and Provisional Dismissal: When Cases Can Be Reopened With Accused Consent
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived without violating double jeopardy, and why accused consent matters.
Provisional Dismissal in Drug Cases: When Can the State Revive a Case?
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed drug case may be revived without violating double jeopardy, and who may file the revival motion.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Breach of Duty and Dishonesty: Dismissal of a Court Clerk for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a Clerk of Court for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Free Speech on Wheels: When Campaigning Rights Meet Public Utility Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down COMELEC's ban on campaign materials in PUVs and terminals, affirming free speech rights of owners.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Duty of Candor in Court Investigations
The Supreme Court dismissed a clerk of court for gross neglect, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Loss of Earning Capacity: The Necessity of Competent Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of earning capacity in criminal cases requires competent proof, not self-serving testimony.
Probable Cause and Estafa: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Individual Rights in Criminal Arrests
Learn how the Supreme Court balances probable cause requirements and individual rights in estafa cases, from arrest to attachment.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Habeas Corpus Remedy for Illegal Detention Due to Mistaken Identity
When police detain the wrong person, habeas corpus is the proper remedy. The Supreme Court explains why in this 2015 ruling.
Enforceability of Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Legal Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in insurance dispute, showing how amicable settlements end litigation and become binding judgments.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Supreme Court Upholds JBC’s Power to Set Qualifications for Judges
The Supreme Court affirms the JBC’s authority to impose a five-year service requirement for judges seeking promotion to higher courts.
Avoiding Forum Shopping in Philippine Construction Disputes: Key Lessons from Dynamic Builders
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dynamic Builders clarifies forum shopping rules and injunctive relief in Philippine construction disputes.