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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Upholding LLDA Authority Enforcing Environmental Standards in Laguna de Bay
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's power to impose fines for effluent violations, reinforcing environmental enforcement in Laguna de Bay region.
When Presidential Power Meets University Autonomy: The CMU Land Case
The Supreme Court struck down a presidential proclamation taking state university land for IP distribution, affirming academic autonomy and vested property rights.
Judicial Misconduct and Sexual Harassment: Violating the Code of Judicial Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling holds that a judge who sexually assaulted a litigant in his own home is guilty of gross misconduct, even after retirement from the bench.
Resignation Does Not Erase Grave Misconduct: Court Stenographer's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court rules resignation does not absolve court personnel of administrative liability for grave misconduct like soliciting money.
Retail Trade Liberalization: Balancing Economic Growth and Filipino Control
The Supreme Court upheld the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000, ruling that the Constitution does not mandate a Filipino monopoly over the economy.
Transparency in Elections: The Right to Review Source Codes for Automated Election Systems
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must make AES source codes available for independent review under R.A. 9369.
Irrevocable Donations: When a “Donation Mortis Causa” Is Really Inter Vivos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable donation labeled "mortis causa" is actually a donation inter vivos, with practical legal implications.
Mortgaged Property Sales Upholding Ownership Rights Despite Unapproved Transfers
Judicial Inhibition: Proving Bias Through Concrete Evidence, Not Mere Suspicion
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit from cases, requiring concrete evidence of bias beyond mere suspicion or spousal relationships.
Counsel's Negligence and Missed Appeal Deadlines: When Excuses Fail in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence excuses a missed appeal deadline, and when clients remain bound by counsel's mistakes.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials Violating the Auditing Code
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over local officials below Salary Grade 27 charged with Auditing Code violations.
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
Defining the Boundaries of Attempted Rape: Intent vs. Action in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lewd acts cross the line from acts of lasciviousness to attempted rape, examining intent and overt acts.
Challenging Drug Convictions: Evidence and Chain of Custody in Buy-Bust Operations
How the Supreme Court assessed evidence and chain of custody in a drug buy-bust case, and what it means for criminal defenses.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Surgeon Liability for Anesthesiologist Negligence
When can a surgeon be held liable for an anesthesiologist's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Bontilao v. Gerona clarifies the limits of res ipsa loquitur and the captain-of-the-ship doctrine
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Bail and Burden of Proof: When Courts Can Grant Bail in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies bail in murder cases: burden of proof, evidentiary standards, and when courts may grant bail.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for illegal possession cases.
Clean Hands Doctrine Upholding Agreements IN School Discipline Cases
Reclusion Perpetua and the Element of Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, the weak defense of alibi, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Establishing Alter Ego Liability in Philippine Law
When can a court disregard separate corporate personality and hold a subsidiary liable for its parent's debts? The Supreme Court explains.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Courts Hold Subsidiaries Liable
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold a subsidiary liable for a parent company's obligations.