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.
Union Registration Validity and Challenges in Philippine Labor Context
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a registered union's legal personality cannot be collaterally attacked in certification election cases.
Judicial Efficiency: Resolving Motions Within Prescribed Deadlines
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying motions beyond 90 days is gross inefficiency, as shown in Visbal vs. Buban.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
The Supreme Court holds a judiciary employee liable for willful failure to pay debts, stressing that court personnel must uphold integrity in both public and private conduct.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Why Victim Credibility and Corroborating Evidence Matter
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, highlighting victim credibility, corroborating medical evidence, and mandatory civil indemnity in sexual assault cases.
Judicial Accountability: Gross Ignorance of Law in Issuing Erroneous Orders
When do a judge's errors become sanctionable? The Supreme Court explains in this administrative case involving a writ of seizure and a warrant of arrest.
Barangay Election Substitution After Candidate's Death: The People's Mandate Prevails
Supreme Court allows substitution of deceased barangay election candidates, honoring voter will over technical rules.
Affidavits of Desistance: When Do They Overturn a Guilty Verdict?
When can an affidavit of desistance overturn a guilty verdict? The Supreme Court explains in Santos v. People.
Retroactive Regular Employment: When Prior Service Counts Toward Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when prior contractual service counts toward regular employment and CBA benefits under labor law.
Breach of Trust: Revisiting Intrafamilial Rape and the Limits of Legal Proof
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction despite an intact hymen, but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua for a defective information.
Why Judges Must Decide Cases on Time: The Arbis Administrative Case
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge for delayed decisions, underscoring the constitutional duty to resolve cases promptly.
Balancing Privacy and Law Enforcement: Warrantless Searches of Moving Vehicles in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless searches of moving vehicles and plain view seizures are valid in drug cases.
Plain View Doctrine and Warrantless Searches in Drug Possession Cases
When can police search a vehicle without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains the plain view doctrine and moving vehicle exception in drug cases.
Attempted Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Retraction and Blotter Gaps
Supreme Court affirms attempted rape conviction, explaining why recantations and police blotter entries carry little weight in Philippine criminal cases.
Fair Trial Rights in Philippine Criminal Cases: What the Dy Case Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies due process, arraignment, and fair trial rights in criminal cases through the Dy ruling.
Buy-Bust Money Not Essential for Drug Conviction, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to present buy-bust money does not doom a drug prosecution if credible witnesses prove the sale.
Incestuous Rape: Supreme Court Upholds Convictions, Reduces Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions but reduces death sentences to reclusion perpetua, clarifying penalty rules and victim rights.
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
When One Eyewitness Is Enough: Conviction for Homicide Despite Alibi and Denial
The Supreme Court explains when a single eyewitness's testimony can convict, and why the killing was homicide, not murder.
Procedural Technicalities vs Substantial Justice: Reinstating a Petition Dismissed on Technical Grounds
When can courts overlook procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial justice prevails over mere technicalities in this 2003 ruling.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Convictions: The People vs. Diaz Case
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence in People vs. Diaz, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.