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.
Illegal Transfer and Employer Prerogative: Balancing Rights With Fair Play in Employment
When does a valid transfer become an illegal one? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in Paguio v. PLDT.
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.
Lawyer Suspended for Negligence: The Cost of Missing Deadlines and Court Hearings
A lawyer's failure to attend hearings and file exhibits led to case dismissal and a one-month suspension. Learn the professional responsibility lessons.
Upholding Prior Possession When Courts Must Correct Errors in Forcible Entry Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings in forcible entry cases, emphasizing prior physical possession.
Navigating Toll Fee Hikes in the Philippines: Understanding Provisional Adjustments and Your Rights
The Supreme Court explains provisional toll rate adjustments, the TRB's authority, and the proper remedies for motorists challenging fee increases.
Flashlight Eyewitness Testimony and Proof of Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Philippine Murder Cases
How a flashlight beam and positive facial identification overcame the defense of alibi in a Philippine murder conviction.
Certiorari Dismissed: Grave Abuse of Discretion and Hierarchy of Courts in IP Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot correct errors of judgment, and direct resort to the Court violates the hierarchy of courts.
Reviving the Pursuit of Justice: Prescription in Anti-Graft Cases and the Ombudsman's Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription rules for anti-graft cases and the Ombudsman's duty to investigate, not dismiss, based on valid laws.
When Does a Hearing Officer's Decision Lead to Criminal Liability? Good Faith vs Malice
Understand when a hearing officer's decision can lead to criminal liability, exploring good faith versus malice in Philippine law.
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.
Due Process Prevails: Conviction Without Trial Violates Fundamental Rights
A judge who convicted an accused without trial on the merits was held liable for gross ignorance of the law, reaffirming due process.
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.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: Limits on Discretion and Dialogue
When a writ of execution is placed in a sheriff's hands, the duty to enforce it is ministerial. Delays and unauthorized "dialogues" can result in administrative liability.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employee Rights in Philippine Administrative Law
When can a 90-day preventive suspension be extended? The Supreme Court clarifies employee rights and the limits of disciplinary authority.
Finality of Compromise Agreements: Binding Share Valuation in Corporate Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, finality of appraisals, and binding share valuation in corporate disputes.
Due Process in Attorney Disciplinary Cases: The Mandatory Formal Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds the IBP that a formal investigation is mandatory in lawyer disciplinary cases, remanding a dismissed complaint for further proceedings.
Can a Non-Party Be Bound by an Injunction? The Due Process Rule
A preliminary injunction binds only parties to the case. Here's what Mabayo Farms v. Santos means for due process.
Citizenship and Residency: Defining Electoral Eligibility in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how citizenship and residency requirements apply to candidates for local elective office in the Philippines.
Electoral Justice Imperiled When Judges Overstep In Voter Inclusion Cases
When a judge grants voter inclusion petitions without hearing, the integrity of elections and judiciary suffers. A Supreme Court ruling explains why.
Failure of Election Grounds and Remedies in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election and why election protests, not annulment, address fraud claims.
Safeguarding the Ballot: Unauthorized Polling Place Transfers and Election Integrity in the Philippines
When can moving a polling place invalidate an election? The Supreme Court explains the rules on unauthorized transfers and election integrity.
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.
Witness Protection for Police Testifying in Senate Inquiries: Acop v. Guingona
Can police officers join the Witness Protection Program when testifying in Senate inquiries? The Supreme Court explains the rule.
When Administrative Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, warning against using judicial audits to harass magistrates.