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.
How Barangay Conciliation Affects Prescription Periods in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how filing a complaint with the barangay interrupts prescription periods for criminal offenses, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Consent: Examining the Elements of Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies rape elements, consent, and qualifying circumstances in a father's conviction for raping his 10-year-old daughter.
Local Autonomy vs Presidential Supervision: The Scope of Power in Granting Judges' Allowances
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of presidential supervision over local governments in granting allowances to judges.
Maintaining Professionalism: Lawyers' Duty to Courteous Conduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lawyer discipline for uncivil conduct toward fellow attorneys, citing Canon 8 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Forging Signatures and the Limits of Forgiveness
A court employee forged a colleague's signature to encash a check. The Supreme Court explains why forgiveness does not erase administrative liability.
Judicial Ethics: Dismissal of Judge for Extortion and Serious Misconduct
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for demanding money from a litigant, reaffirming strict standards of judicial ethics and integrity.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Condonation of Procedural Lapses When Substantial Justice Outweighs Strict Rules
Philippine Supreme Court explains when late payment of appeal docket fees may be excused to serve substantial justice.
Dereliction of Duty and Dismissal: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court utility worker for habitual absenteeism, insubordination, and conduct grossly prejudicial to the service.
How Youth and Voluntary Surrender Affect Criminal Liability in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when voluntary surrender is a mitigating circumstance and how self-defense claims are judged.
Theft Conviction Affirmed: Eyewitness Testimony vs. Alibi in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on theft conviction, eyewitness credibility, conspiracy, and alibi defenses explained in plain language.
Death Penalty Moratorium: The Supreme Court's Stance on Legislative Influence and Execution
The Supreme Court rules that pending bills in Congress cannot justify staying death sentences, reaffirming the constitutionality of the death penalty.
Credibility of Witnesses: How Courts Assess Testimony in Philippine Homicide Cases
Learn how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and alibi in homicide cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Hugo.
Retraction Rejection Affirming Conviction Despite Witness Recantation In Murder Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that a witness's retraction does not automatically overturn a murder conviction when other credible evidence supports guilt.
Judicial Overreach Limits On MCTC Judges Granting Bail After Jurisdiction Transfer
MCTC judge fined for granting bail after jurisdiction transferred to RTC. Learn the limits of bail authority.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonesty and Misconduct in Public Service
A judge's side business as a real estate broker leads to administrative liability, reaffirming that judicial integrity must be beyond reproach.
Judicial Stability Doctrine: Resolving Jurisdictional Conflicts Between Co-Equal Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of judicial stability and how co-equal courts resolve jurisdictional conflicts without overstepping authority.
Usury Law Suspension, Freedom to Contract, and Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether courts can reduce interest rates agreed upon by parties after the Usury Law suspension.
Disbarment for Attorney Misconduct: Delaying Justice and Abusing Court Processes
A lawyer's dilatory tactics and groundless suits against judges led to disbarment for violating the lawyer's oath and obstructing justice.
Relief From Judgment Confined to Trial Courts, Not Extended to Court of Appeals
Supreme Court clarifies that relief from judgment under Rule 38 applies only to trial courts, not the Court of Appeals.
Court Employees' Private Misconduct: When Personal Dealings Undermine Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court employees that honesty and integrity are required even in their personal and private dealings.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Specificity: Charges Define the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why specific allegations in rape informations matter, and how penetration is proven in statutory rape cases.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Witness Testimony Enough Despite Victim's Mental State
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on eyewitness testimony, ruling a victim's mental incapacity does not weaken prosecution evidence.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Sheriffs Who Skip Raffle in Foreclosure Cases
Supreme Court fines sheriffs P1,000 each for failing to raffle an extrajudicial foreclosure petition, underscoring strict compliance with court procedure.