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 Efficiency Imperative Resolving Cases Within Prescribed Deadlines
Why Philippine judges must resolve cases within constitutional deadlines, and the consequences of delay, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Misappropriation of Litigant Funds Leads to Judge's Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses judge for misappropriating P78,000 in fiduciary funds entrusted by litigants, violating Circular No. 50-95.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Holder in Due Course and Payee Obligations Under Philippine Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a check payee qualifies as a holder in due course and the duties of parties to negotiable instruments.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Substantial Compliance When Overly Strict Rules Give Way to Justice in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice, as shown in a case on equitable mortgage and res judicata.
Minority as a Privileged Mitigating Circumstance: The Weight of a Birth Certificate in Criminal Cases
A birth certificate is the best evidence of age. The Supreme Court explains how minority can reduce a criminal penalty.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Standards and Penalties for Court Employees
Explaining the Supreme Court's standards on habitual tardiness for judiciary employees, the penalties imposed, and practical compliance tips.
Back Wages and Security of Tenure: Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal in the Philippine Civil Service
Learn when illegally dismissed government employees can claim back wages, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure.
Public vs Private Funds: Defining AFP-RSBS and the Reach of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies when military pension funds are public funds, affecting Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over graft cases.
Treachery vs. Evident Premeditation: Distinguishing Murder and Rape in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from evident premeditation in murder, and why charging documents matter in rape cases.
Oral Extrajudicial Confession Alone Cannot Prove Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling an uncorroborated oral extrajudicial confession is insufficient to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Challenging NTC Rules: Courts, Not Just Agencies, Can Hear Validity Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that courts have jurisdiction to review NTC regulations issued under quasi-legislative power, without exhausting administrative remedies.
Equity Powers Ensuring Fairness in Contract Rescission Despite Procedural Gaps
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts may order deposit of funds during rescission cases to prevent unjust enrichment.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Disciplinary Action FOR Neglect OF Duty AND Deceit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for neglect of duty and deceit, emphasizing ethical standards and client protection.
When a Search Warrant Fails: Probable Cause in Illegal Firearm Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a search warrant for illegal firearms was void—no probable cause on lack of license—and seized items inadmissible.