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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Understanding THE Impact OF Unconstitutional Laws ON Amusement TAX Remittances IN THE Philippines
One Vote, Unequal Weight: Party-List Seat Allocation and Equal Protection in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the party-list seat allocation formula under RA 7941, rejecting claims of vote double-counting and equal protection violations.
Eminent Domain for Uninterrupted Electricity: MORE Power vs. PECO Explained
The Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of expropriating an old franchise holder's distribution system to ensure uninterrupted electricity in Iloilo City.
Regulatory Discretion vs. Criminal Liability: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of R.A. 11212's expropriation provisions, clarifying the fine line between regulatory discretion and criminal liability.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay Dismisses a Libel Charge
A six-year delay in resolving a preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A look at the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases and how the Supreme Court applied it in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Upholding Public Trust Disciplinary Actions for Tardiness and Undertime in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reminds court employees that tardiness and undertime violate the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust.
Navigating Title Reconstitution: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies the strict jurisdictional requirements for reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles under R.A. No. 26.
Particularity in Search Warrants: What Diaz v. People Means for Your Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a search warrant's description of a place is sufficiently particular under the Constitution, using Diaz v. People.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Proving Inheritance The Burden OF Evidence IN Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a certificate of title existed before reconstitution is granted.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof of Loss
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reconstituting lost or destroyed land titles, emphasizing the importance of proving the unavailability of prior sources under Republic Act No. 26.
Reasonable Doubt and Illegal Drug Sales: Safeguarding the Constitutional Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police buy-bust procedures and evidence integrity raised reasonable doubt.
Firearm Regulation in the Philippines: The Right to Privacy vs. Public Safety
The Supreme Court ruled that firearm ownership is a privilege, not a right, but struck down warrantless home inspections as unconstitutional.
Constitutional Rights vs Preliminary Investigation: When Evidence Admissibility Matters
Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary investigations cannot be suspended on prejudicial question grounds, and evidence admissibility is for trial, not preliminary inquiry.
Balancing Confrontation Rights and Due Process in Transnational Crime Investigations
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with preliminary investigations and how constitutional rights apply in fact-finding probes.
Navigating Lump-Sum Appropriations: Insights from the Supreme Court's Belgica Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that not all lump-sum appropriations are unconstitutional, provided they comply with the rule on singular correspondence.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Unlawful Checkpoints Protecting Constitutional Rights Against Warrantless Searches
A drug suspect's acquittal shows why strict compliance with chain of custody rules and constitutional safeguards is vital in buy-bust operations.
Unlawful Arrests and Drug Possession: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over a broken chain of custody, underscoring constitutional safeguards in buy-bust operations.
Falcis v. Civil Registrar General: Why the Supreme Court Declined to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines, ruling on procedural grounds without deciding the constitutional merits.