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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Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Intellectual Property Rights and the Scope of Search Warrants in Trademark Infringement Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined the proper scope of search warrants in trademark infringement cases involving intellectual property rights.
Res Judicata and Anti-Graft Cases: When Prior Dismissals Bar Prosecution
The Supreme Court ruled that a final dismissal of a behest-loan complaint bars a later anti-graft prosecution over the same transaction, even against officials not named in the first case.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings
When can a court issue a TRO in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules on temporary restraining orders and judicial discretion.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Limits of Annulment Based on Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 47 annulment of judgment does not apply to criminal cases, and counsel's negligence is not extrinsic fraud.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for P1.04M Shortage in Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses Clerk of Court for P1.04M cash shortage, ruling dishonesty and grave misconduct warrant removal even if employee is AWOL.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
Succession Rights vs NHA Discretion: Resolving Land Disputes After Death
When a land awardee dies, can a government agency bypass heirs and award property to another? The Supreme Court says no.
Illegal Strike Penalties: Union Officers' Dismissal Upheld in PILTEA Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of union officers who staged illegal strike despite Labor Secretary's assumption order and procedural violations.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Survival of Actions: Protecting Property Rights After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights and heir substitution.
Developer's Duty to Maintain Subdivision Streetlights Until Turnover
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies developer obligations for subdivision streetlight maintenance and electricity costs until turnover to local government.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
Land Registration: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 for Imperfect Titles
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the June 12, 1945 possession requirement for land registration under Section 14 of PD 1529.
Contempt of Court: Limits on Summary Punishment and Judicial Notice in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may punish contempt summarily and when they may take judicial notice of other cases.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Integrity in Public Service: Dismissal of False Misconduct Allegations Against Court Stenographer
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against court stenographer, ruling that bare allegations and conjectures cannot overcome the presumption of innocence in administrative cases.
Redefining Rape: Sexual Assault and Its Implications Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined rape to include sexual assault by inserting fingers or objects into a victim's genital or anal orifice.
Upholding Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Don't Halt Possession Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pending ownership cases do not stop execution of ejectment judgments, protecting the summary nature of unlawful detainer.
Accountability for Public Officers: Protecting Constitutional Rights Beyond Official Duty
Learn how the Supreme Court defines accountability for public officers and why protecting constitutional rights extends beyond official duty.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.