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.
Clerks of Court Must Strictly Follow Rules on Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court reminds clerks of court and judges of strict rules on handling court funds, citing a case of suspension and fine for violations.
Defining Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Assets and PCGG Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies the Sandiganbayan’s exclusive jurisdiction over incidents related to sequestered assets, reinforcing PCGG’s authority to protect ill-gotten wealth.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.
Custody and Legal Practice: Defining the Bounds of Detention
Supreme Court clarifies that detention prisoners cannot practice law and must be confined in jail, not held under loose custodial arrangements.
When Fraud in Election Returns Does Not Justify a Declaration of Failed Election
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election fraud warrants a failure of election declaration versus an election protest.
Habeas Corpus Territorial Limits and Judicial Accountability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habeas corpus territorial jurisdiction limits and judicial accountability for judges who exceed them.
Sequestration vs Lis Pendens: When a Notice Fails and Titles Get Cleared
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on void PCGG sequestration notices and how property titles can be cleared when requirements are not met.
Customs Forfeiture in the Philippines: Illegal Removal of Goods and the Buyer Beware Rule
When goods are illegally removed from customs custody, forfeiture can reach any buyer, even one claiming good faith. Learn the rules.
Decoding Holographic Wills in the Philippines: Witness Requirements and Probate Challenges
Understand the mandatory three-witness rule for contested holographic wills in the Philippines and what Codoy v. Calugay means for probate.
Pillbox Possession in the Philippines: Understanding Illegal Explosives and the Law
The Supreme Court explains what makes a — a homemade explosive device. The case is a practical guide for understanding how courts evaluate explosive devices, the importance of chain of custody in crim
Voluntary Confessions in Philippine Law: Safeguarding the Rights of the Accused
Understanding the constitutional safeguards governing voluntary confessions in Philippine criminal procedure, and how courts protect the accused.
Confessions to Media in Philippine Law: The Domantay Case on Custodial Investigation
When are confessions to media admissible in Philippine courts? The Domantay case explains the limits of custodial investigation rights.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.
Business Records as Evidence: Proving Contractual Debt in Philippine Courts
Learn when business records like computer printouts are admissible evidence in Philippine courts, and why authentication matters in proving contractual debts.
Lost Your Election Protest? Understanding Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when election protests must be filed, and why pre-proclamation cases end after proclamation.
Misappropriation vs Private Property: Understanding Malversation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that malversation requires public property. A mayor's custody of a private gun is not malversation.
Habeas Corpus and Premature Release: Why Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why a convicted person cannot use habeas corpus to secure release while an appeal is still pending.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
Night Shift Differential Pay in the Philippines: Who Bears the Burden of Proof?
In claims for night shift differential pay, the employer bears the burden of proving payment, not the worker. Learn the rule from this Supreme Court case.
When Should a Judge Inhibit: Safeguarding Impartiality in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges must voluntarily inhibit to protect judicial impartiality, explained in plain language.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.
When Is a Private Individual Considered a Public Officer? Malversation and Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction
A private individual designated as BIR custodian of distrained property is not a public officer, so the Sandiganbayan lacks jurisdiction over him for malversation.
When Can an Employer Claim Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of confidence justifies dismissal and bars separation pay for trusted employees guilty of misconduct.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide and the exclusionary rule for evidence from illegal arrests.