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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Acquittal Due to Lack of Proof: Examining the Elements of Estafa and Theft in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts distinguish estafa from theft, and why the prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
PAO Conflict of Interest Rule Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld Section 22, Canon III of the CPRA, limiting conflict of interest imputation among PAO lawyers. Learn the implications.
When Is a Seafarer's Injury Work-Related? The Arguilles Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when an off-duty injury on board a vessel is compensable, applying the bunkhouse rule and POEA-SEC standards.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Drug Case Dismissed: Why Chain of Custody Is Crucial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquitted two drug suspects because police failed to justify why the inventory was not done at the place of arrest. Here's what this means for Section 21 compliance.
Untrue Statements in Securities Registration: The Caliraya Springs Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a projected completion date in a securities registration statement becomes an actionable untrue statement under the Securities Regulation Code.
Cyber Libel and Retroactivity: When Facebook Posts Escape Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that pre-2012 Facebook posts cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel under the Revised Penal Code.
Cyber Libel Retroactivity: When Online Posts Before RA 10175 Are Not Punishable
The Supreme Court clarifies that Facebook posts made before the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 cannot be prosecuted as cyber libel.
Government Contracts: When Is a Deal Manifestly Disadvantageous?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government contract is "manifestly and grossly disadvantageous" under Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law.
SEC Fraud Liability: When Projected Completion Dates Are Not Untrue Statements
Supreme Court clarifies that forward-looking statements in SEC registration filings are not automatically fraudulent misrepresentations under the Securities Regulation Code.
When Check Kiting Becomes Graft: Bank Officers and the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court explains when check kiting by bank officers and clients becomes a violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Untrue Statements Under the Securities Regulation Code: What Counts as Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a projected completion date in a registration statement is an untrue statement under the Securities Regulation Code.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
When Courts Can Overrule Prosecution Objections in Drug Case Plea Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, remanding cases for proper evaluation.
SALN Errors and Government Access: When the Ombudsman Cannot Prosecute
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory SALN review procedure before prosecuting public officials for omissions.
Supreme Court on Plea Bargaining: Courts May Overrule Prosecution's Objection in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts can allow plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, citing People v. Montierro.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Can a Judge Overrule the Prosecution?
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may accept plea bargains in drug cases even over the prosecution's objection.
Valuing Just Compensation: The Time of Taking and Factors Under CARP Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for CARP-acquired lands is valued—at the time of taking, using Section 17 factors.
Second Chances: The Supreme Court's Compassionate Stance on Judicial Clemency
The Supreme Court partially grants a dismissed judge's plea for clemency, allowing release of 1/3 of her retirement benefits.
Equitable Mortgage Prevails When A Deed Of Sale Masks A Loan Agreement
When a deed of sale actually secures a loan, Philippine law treats it as an equitable mortgage. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Disbarment for Influence Peddling When Legal Representation Crosses Ethical Lines
A lawyer who took millions from a client by promising to fix prosecutors was disbarred. The Supreme Court explains why influence-peddling is unforgivable.
Emergency Powers and Oil Industry Takeovers: Understanding Delegation Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 14(e) of the Oil Deregulation Law for invalidly delegating emergency takeover powers. Learn the constitutional limits.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Public Officer Liability: Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court acquits PPA terminal manager in Section 3(e) case, clarifying the limits of criminal liability for public officers acting in good faith.