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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Dismissal of Appeal, Untenable Excuses, and the Boundaries of Judicial Discretion
When a lawyer's mistake costs a client the case, the Supreme Court explains the limits of relief from judgment and counsel's negligence.
Independent Damage Claims in Forcible Entry: Separating Possession From Subsequent Harm
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when damages from forcible entry may be claimed in a separate ordinary action rather than the ejectment case.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Dismissal Upheld for Incorrigible Process Server: Upholding Diligence in Court Service
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a process server for habitual absenteeism, tardiness, and failure to serve court processes.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Serving at the Board's Pleasure: Security of Tenure for Water District General Managers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether water district general managers serve at the board's pleasure or enjoy security of tenure.
Ballot Integrity and Fair Elections: Lessons from Juan v. COMELEC on Post-Election Tampering
How the Supreme Court handled claims of post-election tampering and marked ballots in a barangay election protest, and what it means for ballot integrity.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and Intimidation in Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, explaining how intimidation and threats overcome the need for physical resistance.
Prosecutorial Discretion and Grave Abuse: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override a prosecutor's dismissal of charges and compel the inclusion of accused persons in an Information.
When Prosecutors Must Be Compelled: Grave Abuse of Discretion in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel prosecutors to include accused persons in an Information, explaining the limits of prosecutorial discretion.
Upholding Electoral Mandates: The Province's Duty to Implement Sangguniang Panlalawigan Seat Increases
Supreme Court affirms COMELEC's power to order proclamation of additional Sangguniang Panlalawigan members when a province's reclassification entitles it to more seats.
Status Quo Ante Orders: COMELEC's Power to Suspend Execution Pending Appeal in Election Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to issue status quo ante orders suspending execution pending appeal in election cases.
False Inducement and Deprivation of Liberty: Defining Kidnapping for Ransom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that a child's voluntary act of going with a kidnapper induced by false promises still constitutes deprivation of liberty.
Status Quo Ante Orders of COMELEC Not Reviewable by Supreme Court
Supreme Court explains why COMELEC status quo ante orders are interlocutory and cannot be questioned via certiorari before final resolution.
Privatization of Power: When Government Policy Meets Employee Security
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on NPC privatization, employee security of tenure, and the doctrine of mootness in administrative law.
When Can a Certificate of Candidacy Be Questioned: Age and Election Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a certificate of candidacy can be questioned, including age requirements and election protest rules.
When Is a Sales Manager Personally Liable for Company Debts? Agency Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an agent or sales manager can be held personally liable for company obligations under Article 1897.
Incestuous Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim Testimony and the Anti-Death Penalty Law
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions, upholds the victim's credible testimony, and applies the Anti-Death Penalty Law.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Extorting Money From Litigant: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Process server dismissed for grave misconduct after demanding money to "fix" a case. The Supreme Court reaffirms that public office is a public trust.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Prompt Action on Orders and Court Efficiency
A Supreme Court ruling on judge accountability for delayed decisions and defiance of court orders, and what it means for court efficiency.
Bail in Extradition Cases: How the Supreme Court Limited Judicial Discretion
In Government of Hong Kong v. Olalia, the Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee may apply for bail, but must prove by clear and convincing evidence that he is not a flight risk.
Judge Fined for Two-Year Delay: Kara-an v. Lindo and Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court fined a judge P3,000 for taking nearly two years to act on an inhibition order, underscoring that judges cannot blame staff for court delays.
Clerks of Court Must Avoid Appearance of Impropriety: Lessons from Inot v. Rimando
A clerk of court used court letterhead to pressure parties into settling. The Supreme Court ruled this was conduct prejudicial to the service.
Tax Assessments and the Imperative of Timely Protests in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on tax assessment finality and why timely protests are crucial for taxpayers in the Philippines.