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.
Self-Defense, Unlawful Aggression, and Firearm Confiscation in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements, unauthorized firearm use as aggravating circumstance, and rightful confiscation of licensed firearms.
PAGCOR Franchise Limits, Delegation, and Mootness in Constitutional Challenges
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR cannot delegate its franchise, and explains when constitutional challenges become moot.
Lawyers Cannot Claim Ignorance of Basic Procedures to Abandon Client Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules a lawyer's claim of ignorance in filing a motion for reconsideration is no excuse for neglecting a client's case.
Zoning Law Prevails: Agrarian Reform Not Applicable to Lands Reclassified Before 1988
Land reclassified from agricultural to residential before the 1988 CARL is outside agrarian reform coverage, explains this Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Migrant Workers Act: Courts Can't Stop Enforcement Without Proof of Harm
Supreme Court rules courts cannot enjoin enforcement of the Migrant Workers Act without clear proof of irreparable injury to those challenging it.
Upholding Notarial Duty Consequences For False Attestation In Legal Documents
Supreme Court revokes notary commission and suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed after the signatory had already died, underscoring strict notarial duties.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Initial Charge of Illegal Detention: Protecting Victims' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that a conviction for rape can stand even when the information charged serious illegal detention with rape, protecting victims' rights.
When Judges Err in Good Faith: The Limits of Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges acting in good faith are not administratively liable for legal errors, but discourtesy to lawyers remains misconduct.
Eyewitness Testimony vs Medico-Legal Findings: Resolving Doubt in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide accused where uncross-examined eyewitness testimony conflicted with medico-legal findings and failed the test of moral certainty.
Psychological Incapacity and Annulment: Abandonment Alone Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere abandonment does not prove psychological incapacity for marriage annulment under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: What Employers Must Prove in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment and due process requirements in illegal dismissal cases, protecting employee rights under the Labor Code.
Possession After Foreclosure: Why the Buyer Wins the Writ of Possession
Buyers in extrajudicial foreclosure sales are entitled to possession of the property. The Supreme Court explains why in Samson v. Rivera.
Desistance Does Not Automatically Dismiss a Disbarment Case Against a Lawyer
A complainant's change of heart does not automatically end a disbarment case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is still proper.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Cornerstone of Fair Trial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the right to speedy disposition of cases and why delays alone do not violate the Constitution.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust and Ethical Standards
The Supreme Court rules that tampering with daily time records constitutes gross dishonesty, a grave offense for court employees.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Issuing Worthless Checks
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for issuing worthless checks, reaffirming that a lawyer's private misconduct can warrant disciplinary action.
The Final Word: Why Timely Appeals Are Critical in Labor Disputes
Learn why meeting appeal deadlines in labor cases is crucial, and how the Supreme Court treats late appeals.
DNA Evidence and Conviction: The Yatar Case and the Standard for Admissibility
Explaining how the Supreme Court in People v. Yatar set the standard for admitting DNA evidence in Philippine criminal cases.
Lease Termination and Rent Increases: Lessons from Chua v. Victorio
When can a lessor rescind a lease and raise rent? The Supreme Court explains in Chua v. Victorio.
Statutory Rape Conviction Upheld: Penetration, Alibi, and the Child Victim's Word
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, clarifying that slight penetration suffices and a child's candid testimony prevails over alibi.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.
Enforceability of Venue Stipulations in Contracts of Adhesion: Piltel v. Tecson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when venue stipulations in contracts of adhesion bind subscribers, citing Piltel v. Tecson.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction, Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises penalty when the offense is committed through social media.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, physical injury not required, and the moral ascendancy doctrine in incest cases.