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.
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When a Warrantless Arrest Fails: The Adoma Case and the Chain of Custody Rule
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after an invalid hot pursuit arrest and broken chain of custody. Learn the rules.
Retirement as Evasion: When Public Officials Still Face Administrative Charges
Can a retired public official still face administrative charges? The Supreme Court clarifies when voluntary retirement is considered an evasion of liability.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments Philippine Courts Balance Comity AND Domestic Policy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, service of summons, and limits on interest awards.
Tax Assessment Validity: Waivers and Due Dates Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court nullified BIR deficiency assessments for First Gas Power due to defective waivers and missing due dates, clarifying prescriptive period rules.
Navigating the Nuances of Rape Convictions and Appeals in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules for rape convictions with reclusion perpetua, and the limits of automatic review.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Held Civilly Liable Despite Acquittal In Illegal Funds Transfer Case
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. The Supreme Court explains why public officials must still answer for negligent handling of public funds.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Safeguarding Justice: Upholding the Right to Speedy Disposition in Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court reaffirms that inordinate delay in Ombudsman preliminary investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Time Limits in Medical Negligence Claims: Understanding Prescription in Philippine Law
When does a medical negligence claim expire in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescription period for tort-based actions.
Inordinate Delay in Election Offense Cases: Protecting Your Right to Speedy Disposition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, using the Figueroa v. Sandiganbayan ruling as a guide.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Claur Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in nullifying marriages, applying the Tan-Andal guidelines.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: When Can a Dismissed Judge Be Forgiven
The Supreme Court explains the rules and requirements for judicial clemency, including the five-year minimum period before a dismissed judge can seek forgiveness.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Inordinate Delay Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Judicial Clemency After Dismissal: The Supreme Court’s Refined Standards
The Supreme Court refines the rules on judicial clemency for dismissed judges, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and a five-year minimum period.
Financial Support and Psychological Violence: Understanding the Limits of the VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for conviction under the VAWC Law's psychological violence provision.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Compliance Required IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court affirms that Rule 45 petitions must strictly comply with procedural deadlines, and clarifies the elements of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft Law.
Extinctive Prescription and Land Ownership When Delay Bars Recovery
When does delay bar recovery of land? The Supreme Court clarifies extinctive prescription and the rules on land ownership and registration.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Enforced Disappearance Proving Government Involvement IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for enforced disappearance, requiring proof of government involvement in the deprivation of liberty.
Waiver Validity and Estoppel: When Taxpayers Cannot Question Defective BIR Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective waivers of prescription, taxpayer estoppel, and BIR assessment periods explained in plain language.