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.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Optional Retirement Rights and Labor Tribunals' Limits in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies optional retirement requires explicit employee consent, and labor tribunals lack jurisdiction over tax refund claims.
Balancing Ombudsman's Discretion With Due Process, Grave Abuse, and Probable Cause in PCGG Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's dismissal of complaints constitutes grave abuse of discretion, using the Bataan nuclear plant case as a prime example.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal: When the Supreme Court May Allow It
The Supreme Court explains when a convicted person may withdraw an appeal, and why it granted withdrawal in a rape case despite the prosecution's opposition.
Self-Defense vs. Unlawful Aggression: When Homicide Is Not Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is homicide, not murder, and why a weak self-defense claim fails in this Philippine case.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Property Rights Under Article 493
A co-owner may sell only their own share. Learn how the Supreme Court protected heirs' rights in Coronel v. Constantino.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Death Penalty for Rape of a Child Under Seven
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for the rape of a six-year-old child, clarifying rules on child testimony and proof of age.
Incestuous Rape: Proving Each Count Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies that in incestuous rape cases, each separate charge must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just the overall pattern of abuse.
Unlawful Arrests and Illegal Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights
When police act on tips without warrants, arrests and drug evidence may be invalid. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Conduct: Withdrawing a Complaint Does Not Bar Investigation of Erring Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that withdrawing a complaint does not stop disciplinary action against erring court personnel or lawyers.
Eyewitness Identification and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: People v. Limpangog
The Supreme Court acquits an accused where eyewitness identification is unreliable, reaffirming that the prosecution must prove identity beyond reasonable doubt.
Upholding Due Process: Strict Adherence to Summary Procedure Timelines in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts must strictly follow summary procedure timelines. Learn how the Supreme Court enforces these deadlines to ensure speedy justice.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unprovoked attacks constitute treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder.
Judicial Authority and Limits: A Judge's Jurisdiction After Temporary Reassignment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on a judge's notarial powers, the limits of judicial authority, and the importance of following SC Circular No. 1-90.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Incestuous Rape: The Standard of Proof for Multiple Charges in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that finger insertion and licking do not constitute rape under the old law, but may be acts of lasciviousness.
Due Process in Lawyer Discipline: Formal Investigation Required Before Sanctions
Supreme Court remands lawyer disciplinary case to IBP for formal investigation, underscoring that due process requires a full hearing before sanctions.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining "Combination or Series" in Amassing Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes a "combination or series" of acts in plunder cases, and the scope of conspiracy among co-accused.
Agency and Real Estate Sales: The Necessity of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why an agent's authority to sell land must be in writing, or the sale is void.
Child Witness Testimony in Murder Cases: When a Child's Word Can Convict
When can an eight-year-old's testimony convict in murder cases? The Supreme Court explains the rules on child witness credibility.
Distinguishing Murder from Kidnapping: Intent to Kill vs Deprivation of Liberty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between murder and kidnapping, focusing on intent to kill versus deprivation of liberty.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly
Philippine Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in deciding cases, citing the constitutional duty to resolve matters within prescribed periods.
Murder Conviction and Sentencing in the Philippines: The Leoncio Lawa Case
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction and death penalty, explaining treachery, evident premeditation, and alibi in Philippine law.