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.
Maintaining Judicial Integrity: Upholding Ethical Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
Court employees must uphold propriety and decorum. Leaving work during office hours and reporting drunk warrants administrative discipline.
Judges Fined for Undue Delay in Resolving Motions: A Lesson in Judicial Efficiency
The Supreme Court fined a judge P11,000 for failing to resolve a motion within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring the duty of judges to act promptly.
Release of Seized Evidence Before Trial: Upholding Prosecutorial Authority and Due Process
A judge's order releasing seized evidence before trial drew administrative sanctions. Learn the rules on custody of evidence and prosecutorial control.
When Intent Falters: Attempted Robbery With Homicide vs. Consummated Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery that ends in death is only attempted, not consummated, and explains the proper penalty.
Superior Strength in Murder: Philippine Jurisprudence on Armed Assaults
When is a killing murder by abuse of superior strength? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Rollon.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
When Agents Exceed Authority Understanding Reimbursement Rights IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agency, reimbursement rights, and the limits of an agent's authority under civil law.
Upholding Decorum: The Limits of a Process Server's Conduct in Serving Legal Documents
Process servers must maintain courtesy and dignity even when challenged. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of conduct in serving court documents.
Fair Rental Value as Measure of Reasonable Compensation in Lease Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine fair rental value and reasonable compensation when lease agreements fail to fix rental rates.
False Testimony and Prejudicial Questions: When Criminal Proceedings Must Wait
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when criminal cases for false testimony must be suspended pending resolution of a prejudicial civil question.
Upholding Regulatory Authority: Provisional Authorities and Non-Exclusivity in Telecom Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on NTC's power to grant provisional authorities and the non-exclusive nature of telecom franchises.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Ethical Boundaries for Court Personnel in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on DTR falsification by court personnel clarifies grave misconduct penalties and mitigating circumstances.
Voidable Contracts: Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property Sales Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a husband's sale of conjugal property without the wife's consent is voidable, not void, and how buyers can lose good faith protection.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
Upholding Land Ownership When Asserted Tenancy Fails to Divest Courts of Jurisdiction
A mere claim of tenancy does not automatically strip courts of jurisdiction over ejectment cases, as the Supreme Court clarified in Rivera v. Santiago.
Travel Agency Liability: Ordinary Care, Not Common Carrier Duties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that travel agencies owe ordinary diligence, not the extraordinary care required of common carriers.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Promptly: Accountability in Civil Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's mandatory duty to execute writs promptly and the consequences of dishonesty in civil cases.
Contempt and Due Process: When Corporate Officers Face Personal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on civil contempt, due process, and personal liability of corporate officers for violating court orders.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
When Defense Turns Deadly Distinguishing Self Defense From Unjustified Aggression IN Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawful self-defense and criminal aggression in homicide cases, explaining burden of proof and reasonable belief.
Custodianship vs Trusteeship: Determining Liability in Investment Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the difference between a custodian and a trustee in investment agreements, and who bears liability when investments fail.
Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Liability Beyond Corporate Veil: Solidary Obligations in Loan Agreements
When officers sign loan documents personally, they become solidarily liable with the corporation. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Treachery and the Passage of Time: Examining the Boundaries of Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a brief pause between an argument and a fatal shooting does not negate treachery, affirming a murder conviction.