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.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When Can an Acquittal Be Challenged in the Philippines
Learn when an acquittal can be challenged in the Philippines through this case on statutory rape and double jeopardy protections.
Libel in Media: When News Reporting Crosses Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court clarifies when news reports become libelous and why denying a motion to quash is not appealable via certiorari.
Unlocking Justice: The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the right to speedy disposition of cases, prohibiting the Sandiganbayan from further proceeding after 32 years of delay.
Void Judgments and Invalid Summons: Key Lessons from Titan Dragon Properties v. Veloso-Galenzoga
When summons is invalid, a court never gains jurisdiction—making any resulting judgment void and unenforceable.
COA Disallowances and the Limits of Audit Power Over PAGCOR Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA's audit jurisdiction over PAGCOR is limited to specific funds, not all corporate expenditures.
When a Demurrer to Evidence Means Acquittal: Double Jeopardy in Graft Cases
A look at People v. Sandiganbayan (G.R. No. 233437) on double jeopardy, demurrer to evidence, and proof of graft charges.
Double Jeopardy and Demurrer to Evidence: What People v. Baja Means for Philippine Criminal Cases
A granted demurrer to evidence is an acquittal. The Supreme Court explains why further prosecution is barred by double jeopardy.
Quasi-Delict Liability After a Vehicular Accident: Lessons from Laza v. Standard Insurance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a driver is negligent in a collision, the rules on vicarious liability, and what it takes to overturn factual findings on appeal.
Understanding the Real Estate Service Act Integration Ruling: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court upheld the IRR defining the AIPO for real estate practitioners. Learn what this landmark ruling means for RESPs.
Supreme Court: Direct Petitions to SC Violate Hierarchy of Courts Rule
SC dismisses Palafox petition for bypassing Court of Appeals, reaffirming strict rule on hierarchy of courts in Philippine litigation.
Navigating Docket Fee Challenges: Ensuring Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases and prevents inordinate delay in preliminary investigations.
Understanding the Limits of COA Jurisdiction Over Final Court Judgments in Money Claims Against the Government
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the COA can deny money claims against the government, and when contractors can recover under quantum meruit.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.
Residency Rules for Local Candidates: When Incumbency Defeats a Domicile Transfer Claim
The Supreme Court cancels a governor's COC for false residency declaration, clarifying when an incumbent mayor cannot claim a new domicile.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
COLA Integration Into Government Salaries: What the Lumauan Ruling Means
The Supreme Court explains when cost of living allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries and who must refund disallowed payments.
Ensuring Election Integrity: The Role of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of the VVPAT requirement, digital signatures, and the prohibition on capturing devices in Philippine elections.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
When Courts Allow New Evidence Not Pre-Marked During Pre-Trial in Philippine Litigation
Philippine courts may admit evidence not pre-marked during pre-trial if good cause is shown. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
Understanding the Limits of Government Financial Subsidies: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when government financial subsidies are lawful and when they become ultra vires acts requiring refunds.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
Limits of Compensation Authority in Government Corporations: Insights from SSS v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies when GOCCs may grant employee benefits without presidential approval, and when officers may be excused from refunding disallowed amounts.