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.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Wrong Court, Wrong Remedy: Appeals From Labor Arbiter Decisions in the Philippines
Learn why a Labor Arbiter decision must be appealed to the NLRC, not the RTC, and how choosing the wrong remedy can make a judgment final and executory.
When Self Defense Becomes Homicide: Treachery and Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a claim of self-defense fails and why a killing is homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Repossession Expenses and Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Understanding Mortgagor Liabilities
When foreclosure becomes a fait accompli, can a mortgagor still sue for damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Final and Executory Judgments: When Can They Be Modified?
Explore the narrow exceptions to the finality of judgments in Philippine law, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Arrest Warrants and Due Process Under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure
A judge's premature arrest warrant violated summary procedure rules, resulting in a fine and a reminder of due process.
Preliminary Investigation as a Substantive Right: The Duterte v. Sandiganbayan Doctrine
The right to preliminary investigation is substantive, not a mere formality. Duterte v. Sandiganbayan shows how its violation can void criminal charges.
Double Jeopardy in the Philippines: When Partial Promulgation of a Decision Does Not Count
When a trial court promulgates only the civil liability part of a conviction, the accused cannot claim double jeopardy to block the later promulgation of the criminal penalty.
Campaign Ad Ban in the Philippines: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the political ad ban under RA 6646, ruling it a valid regulation ensuring equal opportunity among candidates.
Seafarer Transfers Understanding Crewmember Rights AND Employer Prerogatives IN Vessel Assignments
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced crewmember rights and employer prerogatives in vessel transfer assignments for Filipino seafarers.
Quasi-Delict vs Criminal Negligence: Civil Liability in Philippine Accidents
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver's negligence creates civil liability under quasi-delict, even without a criminal conviction.
Possession vs Intent: Understanding Illegal Firearm Charges in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on double jeopardy in illegal firearm cases, and why a prosecutor's authority matters in criminal charges.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Failure of Election Under Philippine Law: Grounds and Remedies Explained
Learn the limited grounds for declaring a failed election under Philippine law and the proper remedies available to candidates and voters.
When Court Personnel Extort Litigants: Administrative Liability Explained
A court interpreter extorted a litigant for a document's release. The Supreme Court explains administrative liability, penalties, and why resignation or transfer does not end a case.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Reinstatement Orders in Labor Disputes: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Learn how Philippine courts determine regular vs. project employment and why procedural due process is crucial in lawful dismissals.
Illegal Dismissal of Ship Captain: When Refusing an Unsafe Order Is Not Incompetence
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's refusal to tow a barge with worn-out ropes was not incompetence but sound professional judgment, making his dismissal illegal.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: What the Supreme Court Says About Your Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment in large scale, what victims must prove, and the penalties recruiters face.
Territorial Jurisdiction and Bouncing Checks Law: Where Can You Be Sued
The Supreme Court explains where a B.P. 22 bouncing checks case may be filed, based on territorial jurisdiction rules.
Sheriff Misconduct in Execution of Judgment: When Enforcing a Writ Goes Wrong
A sheriff who took judgment debtors' property for himself and the creditor was dismissed for gross misconduct. Learn the rules on execution sales.
Redemption After Execution Sale: Ownership Disputes Do Not Stop the Clock
Philippine law gives judgment debtors one year to redeem property sold at execution. Ownership disputes do not suspend that deadline.
When Dismissal Is Too Harsh: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court rules that dismissal can be disproportionate to an employee's offense, awarding separation pay instead of reinstatement.
Retroactivity of Disqualification: When Prior Misconduct Bars Future Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code applies retroactively to disqualify candidates removed from office before 1992.