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.
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.
Bank Negligence vs Depositor Responsibility: Who Bears the Brunt of Fraud
Learn how Philippine courts balance bank negligence against depositor responsibility in fraud cases, and what this means for your rights.
Expropriation for Socialized Housing: Balancing Public Need and Private Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on City of Manila's failed expropriation for socialized housing, highlighting strict rules on eminent domain.
Shared Negligence: Banks and Depositors Must Bear Losses Equally When Both Are at Fault
When a bank releases check proceeds before clearing and a depositor withdraws them hastily, both may share the loss equally under Philippine law.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
Moral Integrity in Public Service: Court Employee Sanctioned for Immoral Conduct
Court interpreter fined P50,000 for illicit affair with married man. Resignation does not erase administrative liability in the judiciary.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Is Not Final
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Cerezo v. People on double jeopardy, valid case dismissals, and when courts may reopen criminal cases.
Upholding Court Efficiency: Judge Fined for Delays and Inefficiency in Bareng v. Daguna
A judge was fined P15,000 for gross inefficiency and undue delay in rendering orders and transmitting records. Learn the lessons from this administrative case.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Security of Tenure, Constructive Dismissal, and Floating Status in Security Agencies
When a security guard's floating status exceeds six months, the law treats it as constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.
Redirect Examination Waiver and Court Discretion: Soriano v. Mendoza-Arcega
When a trial court may deem redirect examination waived due to a party's delay, and why appellate courts will uphold that discretion.
Overcoming Jurisdictional Hurdles in Philippine Property Disputes: The Philippine Veterans Bank Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdictional boundaries between courts and DARAB in expropriation cases involving agrarian reform lands.
Proof of Service in Philippine Courts: Why Proper Documentation Matters
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling on court fund mismanagement underscores the importance of proper documentation and accountability in Philippine courts.
Probable Cause vs Equipoise Rule: Safeguarding Against Unjust Arrest in Arson Cases
When prosecutors flip-flop on probable cause, courts hold the line. Flores v. Gonzalez clarifies the equipoise rule and judicial independence.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge who dismissed a case without independent review and solemnized the accused's son's wedding faces administrative liability.
Upholding Ethical Standards Disciplining Court Personnel For Gross Discourtesy And Unprofessional Conduct
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for simple misconduct, emphasizing that judges must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Upholding Legislative Intent: The Limits of COMELEC's Rule-Making Power in Party-List Nominations
A look at Lokin v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court struck down a COMELEC rule expanding the grounds for substituting party-list nominees beyond RA 7941.
When Supervisors Lose Trust: Dismissal for Misconduct Under Article 282
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a supervisor's unauthorized disposal of company property justifies dismissal for serious misconduct and loss of trust.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
When Lawyers' Lives Lack Integrity: Disbarment for Gross Immorality and Multiple Marriages
The Supreme Court disbarred two lawyers for gross immorality involving bigamous marriages and illicit affairs, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
Recanted Confession Inadmissible Against Co-Conspirators: Tamargo v. Awingan
The Supreme Court explains why a recanted extrajudicial confession cannot be used against alleged co-conspirators in criminal cases.