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.
Judicial Accountability: Judges Must Respect Due Process and Avoid Abusive Language
A judge's intemperate language toward lawyers violates judicial decorum. The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion and accountability.
Workplace Misconduct: Striking Subordinates and Maintaining Decorum in the Judiciary
Supreme Court ruling on a supervisor who struck a subordinate, emphasizing decorum and discipline in the judiciary.
When Heirs Cannot Sue to Void Parents' Property Sales Before Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compulsory heirs lack legal standing to challenge parents' sales of property during their lifetime.
Trademark Protection for Well-Known Marks Extends to Unrelated Goods Under IP Code
The Supreme Court clarifies how Section 123.1(f) of the IP Code protects well-known marks like Rolex even against use on unrelated goods or services.
Accountability in Armed Robbery: Redefining Liability Through Criminal Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on criminal conspiracy in robbery with homicide, explaining liability for all participants and penalty rules.
Dismissal of Judge for Disobedience of Court Orders: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
Supreme Court dismisses judge who repeatedly ignored show-cause orders, affirming that disobedience to lawful directives is grave misconduct warranting the ultimate penalty.
Bank Negligence in Foreclosure: Damages and Attorney's Fees Reassessed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts compute actual, moral damages and attorney's fees when banks act negligently in foreclosure disputes.
When a Fistfight Turns Fatal: Understanding Homicide vs Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a killing becomes murder through treachery, and why self-defense claims must prove unlawful aggression.
Upholding Employer Prerogative: The Limits of an Employee's Right to Refuse Transfer
When can an employee refuse a transfer order? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative and employee rights.
Forfeiture Proceedings and Due Process: Can Summary Judgment Apply?
The Supreme Court clarifies that forfeiture under RA 1379 is civil, not criminal, and summary judgment does not violate due process.
Child's Testimony and Unusual Behavior: When Rape Convictions Stand on Credibility
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a child's testimony can sustain a rape conviction despite claims of unusual behavior.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies evidence required to reconstitute lost land titles, balancing strict rules with practical realities in property disputes.
Overseas Workers' Illegal Dismissal: Compensation Rules Under RA 8042
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on compensation for illegally dismissed overseas Filipino workers under Section 10 of RA 8042.
Judicial Independence: Why Unfounded Administrative Complaints Against Judges Fail
The Supreme Court shields judges from baseless administrative suits, clarifying that judicial errors are corrected by appeal, not discipline.
Judicial Employee Misconduct: When Loafing Requires Frequency and Duty Never Takes a Leave
Supreme Court defines "loafing" as requiring frequent absences, but still reprimands RTC employees for misconduct after surprise inspection.
When Technicalities Matter: Qualifying Circumstances Must Be Pleaded in the Information
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like victim's minority must be alleged in the information to warrant the death penalty.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: When a Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack is self-defense, and why failure to prove treachery reduces murder to homicide.
Upholding University Land Rights: Indefeasibility of UP Title Over Diliman Campus
The Supreme Court reaffirms that UP's title over the Diliman Campus is indefeasible, barring claims by private individuals.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Force, Intimidation, and the Death Penalty in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force and intimidation in rape, and why a conviction was reduced from death to reclusion perpetua.
Breach of Contract vs Unlawful Detainer: Defining the Proper Forum
When a landowner files ejectment over a breach of a sale agreement, the Supreme Court clarifies which court has jurisdiction.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.
Unlawful Detainer vs. Contract Rescission: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdictional Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an ejectment case is improper and why contract rescission belongs to the RTC, not the MTC.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force and Intimidation
In incestuous rape, a father's moral ascendancy over his daughter can substitute for force and intimidation, the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Madera.
Tax Exemptions in Special Economic Zones: Limits on Presidential Power
Supreme Court rules President cannot grant tax exemptions in special economic zones—only Congress can, under the Constitution.