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.
Sobriety vs Perception: Protecting Rights During Traffic Stops in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a driver of drunk driving and resisting arrest, clarifying that smelling of alcohol is not the same as being under its influence.
Upholding Local Autonomy: The Constitutionality of Vehicle Immobilization Ordinances
The Supreme Court upheld Cebu City's vehicle immobilization ordinance as a valid exercise of police power, clarifying due process requirements for traffic enforcement.
When Pilots' Negligence Is the Proximate Cause: The 2010 Runway Collision Ruling
Supreme Court rules on proximate cause in the 1996 NAIA runway collision, holding pilots liable for gross negligence despite air traffic clearances.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining Limits and Upholding Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes habitual tardiness in government service and why traffic is not a valid excuse.
Negligence and Quasi-Delict: When Overtaking on the Shoulder Makes You Liable
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability of vehicle owners in traffic accidents under Philippine law.
Habitual Tardiness of Government Employees: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's habitual tardiness clarifies that health and traffic excuses do not justify repeated lateness.
MMDA Traffic Enforcement Powers vs Police Power: Key Limits Under RA 7924
Supreme Court clarifies MMDA's traffic enforcement powers: it can enforce but not enact traffic rules, and lacks police power.
Reckless Imprudence in Philippine Traffic Accidents: What Veneracion v. People Teaches Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies reckless imprudence liability in traffic accidents, emphasizing driver precautions and evidentiary standards.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining the Boundaries of Excusable Lateness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that health and traffic issues do not excuse habitual tardiness in government service.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When a Bus Driver's Overtaking Causes Liability
A bus driver who overtakes despite an oncoming car is negligent. Employers must prove diligence in supervision to avoid liability.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Why Excuses Like Traffic and Household Chores Fail
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, ruling that traffic and family chores do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
Probable Cause and Due Process: When a Judge’s Contempt Power Becomes Grave Abuse
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s arrest of a traffic enforcer clarifies the limits of contempt power and due process.
Last Clear Chance Doctrine Explained: Engada v. Court of Appeals on Traffic Collisions
When a driver invokes the last clear chance doctrine after a collision, courts weigh negligence and emergency. Learn the rule from Engada v. CA.
Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Quasi-Delict Case
The Supreme Court upholds an insurer's right to recover damages from a negligent driver and his employer, clarifying rules on quasi-delict liability and traffic violations.
Traffic Altercation Turns Deadly: When a Single Gunshot Is Homicide, Not Murder
A road-rage shooting kills a pregnant woman. The Supreme Court explains why the killing was homicide, not murder, absent treachery.
Qualified Trafficking in Persons: When Recruitment Alone Suffices for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified trafficking conviction, ruling that recruitment for sexual exploitation is enough even if the victim initially declined.