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.
Reelection Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that reelection condones only administrative liability, not criminal charges under the Anti-Graft law.
Guilt by Association: Circumstantial Evidence and Flight in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how circumstantial evidence and flight can establish criminal liability, explained in plain language.
Judicial Accountability: Judges Must Respect Due Process and Avoid Abusive Language
A judge's intemperate language toward lawyers violates judicial decorum. The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion and accountability.
Administrative Liability of Judges: Errors of Judgment vs. Misconduct
Explaining when judges face administrative liability for legal errors, citing the dismissal of charges against Judge Legaspi.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Public Officials' Duty to Act Promptly: Lessons from a Clerk of Court's Misconduct
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public officials of their duty to act promptly on requests and maintain propriety in office.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Judicial Conduct When Judges Overstep Boundaries In Replevin Cases
A judge's delay in deciding an ejectment case leads to reprimand, clarifying judicial accountability versus judicial errors.
Prescription Periods in Graft Cases: The Discovery Rule for Ill-Gotten Wealth
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the prescription period for graft cases begins—from discovery, not commission, of the offense.
Prescription and Quashal in Anti-Graft Cases: Domingo v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription periods, motion to quash standards, and speedy trial rights in Anti-Graft cases under RA 3019.
Voyage Charterer Liability in Maritime Collisions: Philippine Law Explained
When is a voyage charterer liable for a vessel collision? The Caltex v. Sulpicio Lines ruling clarifies charterer duties under Philippine maritime law.
Gross Negligence of Public Officials: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
When are public officials liable for gross negligence? This article explains the legal standard and how Philippine courts apply it.
Ombudsman's Limits: When Can the Ombudsman Order Payment of Back Wages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's power to order payment of back wages and limits of its jurisdiction.
When Can You Sue a Building Official: Error vs. Bad Faith in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when building officials can be sued for graft—error of judgment is not enough; bad faith must be shown.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: When Inaction Becomes Actionable Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative misconduct, using a Sandiganbayan case as the benchmark.
Reopening a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed: The Santiago v. Sandiganbayan Guide
When can a court reopen a criminal case to hear more evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits and the due process rights of the accused.
Reopening a Closed Case: Abuse of Discretion and Due Process in Philippine Courts
When can a court reopen a criminal case after evidence is closed? The Santiago ruling explains the limits and due process requirements.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
Reopening a Criminal Case: When Courts Abuse Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case against Miriam Defensor Santiago, ruling it was grave abuse of discretion.
When a Creditor's Actions Cross the Line: Abuse of Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Learn when a creditor's enforcement actions become unlawful abuse of rights under Philippine law, with practical guidance.
Graft and Corruption: Understanding Undue Injury Under Philippine Law
Explaining undue injury in Anti-Graft law through Amper v. Sandiganbayan, where a city engineer used a government backhoe for treasure hunting.
When Can the Ombudsman Investigate Judges? The Dolalas Rule on Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between Ombudsman authority and judicial independence in investigating judges for delay.