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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Governments Burden Proving Undue Injury in Anti-Graft Cases Involving Expropriation
The Supreme Court acquits public officials in an expropriation graft case, ruling the prosecution failed to prove the warehouse did not exist.
SEC Investigations and Due Process: What the Supreme Court Said in Tengco
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC investigation lapses do not strip courts of jurisdiction over Securities Regulation Code violations.
SALN Disclosure: Defining the Scope of Assets and the Limits of Prosecutorial Discretion
A look at Bariata v. Ombudsman, which clarifies what must be declared in a SALN and when the Ombudsman's dismissal of charges stands.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court Framework and DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on plea bargaining in drug cases, balancing judicial discretion with prosecutorial consent under A.M. No. 18-03-16-SC and DOJ Circular No. 18.
Constructive Dismissal vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Employee Rights and Business Needs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor contracts cannot override statutory security of tenure; retrenchment requires proof of actual business losses.
Upholding SEC Authority: Courts Cannot Enjoin SEC Orders on Investment Contracts
The Supreme Court holds a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing injunctions against an SEC cease and desist order.
Ombudsmans Discretion Protecting Public Interest VS Prosecutorial Overreach
When Courts Can Approve Plea Bargains Over Prosecution Objection in Drug Cases
Explains when trial courts may approve plea bargains in drug cases despite prosecution objection, citing People v. Esma.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Jurisdictional Challenges and Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, clarifying that a prosecutor's lack of written authority does not defeat a court's jurisdiction and that circumstantial evidence can prove carnal knowledge.
Custody Chain Integrity: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court in People v. Tamundi clarified the chain of custody rule and witness requirements under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Project vs Regular Employment: Defining Job Security in the Philippines
Understand the Supreme Court's distinction between project and regular employment, and what it means for job security under Philippine labor law.
Prior Approval for Hiring Private Lawyers: DSWD Case Limits Government Authority
Supreme Court affirms COA ruling that government agencies must secure prior approval before hiring private lawyers, explaining strict compliance rules.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Evidence and Upholding Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court explains when minor deviations from Section 21's chain of custody rule are justified in buy-bust operations.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Prosecution Delay Warrants Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Prosecutorial Delay Violates the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
The Supreme Court explains when inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Succession Rights and DAR Secretary's Authority in Agrarian Beneficiary Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DAR Secretary's exclusive jurisdiction over successor designation in agrarian reform beneficiary disputes, reversing CA ruling.
Money Laundering Prosecution Can Proceed Independently of Unlawful Activity Requires Proof Beyond Reasonable D
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that money laundering cases may proceed independently of predicate crimes, but the unlawful activity's elements must still be proven.
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Power Over Special Prosecutor: Balancing Independence and Accountability
The Supreme Court rules on the Ombudsman’s power to discipline the Special Prosecutor, clarifying removal authority and due process in administrative cases.
Insufficient Evidence Acquittal in Child's Death Due to Drowning
Supreme Court acquits grandmother of murder after prosecution fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt in child's drowning death.
Solicitation by Public Officials: When Accepting Gifts Leads to Graft Charges
A DARAB adjudicator's conviction for soliciting P120,000 and a tuna fish clarifies graft law and double prosecution rules.
Judicial Clemency: When Is a Judge Entitled to a Second Chance?
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for judicial clemency, including remorse, reformation, and the five-year waiting period.
Rehabilitation Plans and Creditor Rights: When Debt Restructuring Binds Secured Creditors
When can a rehabilitation plan force creditors to accept debt restructuring? The Supreme Court explains in China Banking v. St. Francis Square.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman: When Courts Defer to Prosecutorial Discretion
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in public official cases, reinforcing judicial restraint absent grave abuse of discretion.