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.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
The People vs the President: Defining the Limits of People Power and Presidential Immunity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Estrada v. Desierto clarifies resignation, presidential succession, and immunity from suit under the 1987 Constitution.
Campus Press Freedom vs School Authority: Balancing Student Rights and Institutional Discipline in Philippine
How the Supreme Court balanced campus press freedom under RA 7079 with a school's disciplinary authority in Miriam College v. Court of Appeals.
When Silence Implies Guilt: Co-Conspirator Testimony in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a co-conspirator's uncorroborated testimony can convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Malicious Prosecution in Philippine Law: Probable Cause and Malice Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a failed criminal complaint becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of lack of probable cause and sinister motive.
State Immunity vs Personal Liability: Defining the Limits of Official Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials can be sued personally despite state immunity, using the Lansang v. Court of Appeals case.
Official Duty vs Personal Liability: Defining Immunity in Defamation Cases
Can a diplomat or international organization worker claim immunity for defamation? The Supreme Court clarifies when official duty ends and personal liability begins.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Defamation: The Liang Case and Limits of Official Acts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ADB staff immunity, defamation, and why diplomatic immunity is not absolute for criminal acts.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: A Guide for Litigants
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter for appeal, not an administrative case for discipline.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: When Can a Judge Be Sanctioned for Incompetence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges face sanctions for incompetence versus mere judicial error, citing De Vera v. Judge Dames II.
Government Immunity vs Corporate Liability: When Can Government Assets Be Garnished
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies can be sued and when their funds are protected from garnishment in this labor law case.
Diplomatic Immunity in the Philippines: Protecting International Organizations From Legal Suits
The Supreme Court explains how diplomatic immunity shields international organizations like the Asian Development Bank from local lawsuits, and why courts must respect it.
Taxing Government Entities: Local Government Power and Exemptions Under the LGC
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may tax government-owned corporations, balancing local autonomy with national exemptions.