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.
Illegal Sale of Shabu: Credible Testimony and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court affirms a shabu conviction, explaining how credible witness testimony and preserved evidence outweigh lapses in the chain of custody.
Neglect of Duty in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Writ Execution
A branch clerk of court fined for delayed issuance of writs of execution on forfeited surety bonds, underscoring court personnel's duty of diligence.
Simulated Bidding and Falsification: Public Officials' Liability Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on public officials liable for falsified bidding documents and graft under R.A. 3019 in simulated procurement.
Motion Denied Understanding Defective Notice OF Hearing IN Philippine Courts
Philippine courts demand proper notice of hearing in motions; defects can lead to denial. Learn the rules and practical tips.
Judicial Accountability When Archiving Cases Constitutes Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge who archived criminal cases instead of forwarding them to the prosecutor was fined P30,000 for gross ignorance of the law.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits, Penalties, and Remedies Under Philippine Law
Learn the limits of direct contempt in Philippine courts, including penalties, due process rights, and remedies like certiorari.
Condominium Common Areas: When Utility Installations Inside a Unit Belong to the Corporation
Learn when electrical panels and utility installations inside a condominium unit are common areas under RA 4726 and the master deed.
Fresh Period Rule in Criminal Appeals: Understanding the Limits of Judicial Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies to criminal appeals, ensuring uniform treatment for accused persons.
The Fresh Period Rule for Appeals in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule to criminal appeals, giving accused persons a full 15 days from denial of post-judgment motions.
Upholding Arbitration Separability Doctrine in Contract Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that a party's repudiation of a main contract does not invalidate its arbitration clause, reinforcing the separability doctrine.
Contract to Sell vs Dacion en Pago: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how PD 957 protects subdivision lot buyers even when a developer transfers the property to a bank through dacion en pago.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Judges Overstep Final Judgments
A judge's motu proprio reversal of a final and executory order leads to dismissal for gross ignorance of the law in this administrative case.
Clerks of Court Accountability: Fiduciary Funds and Gross Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for gross neglect of duty over mishandled fiduciary funds, even after retirement and restitution.
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.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Parent Companies Face Liability for Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when parent companies can be held liable for subsidiaries' labor violations, explained for employees and businesses.
Caught in the Act: Upholding Warrantless Arrests in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when police may arrest without a warrant under the in flagrante delicto rule in drug cases.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
VAT Refund for Foreign Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification Under RA 12079
The Supreme Court upholds RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Navigating Libel Law: Probable Cause and Privileged Communication in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that probable cause for libel is a prosecutor's call, and privileged communication is a trial defense.
Dishonesty and Falsification in Public Service: A Clerk of Court’s Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a clerk of court for dishonesty and falsifying her Personal Data Sheet, underscoring integrity standards in the judiciary.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at what makes illegal recruitment a crime of economic sabotage, who can be held liable, and the penalties involved.
Falsification of Public Documents: Presumption of Authorship Explained
Learn how Philippine courts presume authorship of falsified documents and why beneficiaries bear the burden of proof under Article 172.
Option Contract vs. Right of First Refusal: Key Differences Under Philippine Law
Learn the difference between an option contract and a right of first refusal in Philippine real estate, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Tuazon v. Del Rosario-Suarez.
When a Demand Letter Does Not Create a Cause of Action: Lessons from Ilusorio
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor's demand letter constitutes harassment or simply an exercise of contractual rights.