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.
Court Employee’s Drug Conviction Leads to Fine, Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a court utility worker’s drug conviction led to forfeited retirement benefits and permanent disqualification from public office.
Judges and Business Interests: Navigating Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a judge's private business interest becomes an ethical violation, and what judges must do to stay compliant.
VAWC Act Applies to Lesbian Relationships: Women Can Be Held Liable as Offenders
The Supreme Court confirms that RA 9262 covers violence by a woman against her female partner, protecting all women from intimate partner abuse.
When Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
Functional Immunity for International Organizations in the Philippines: The Westfall v. Locsin Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court's Westfall v. Locsin ruling defines functional immunity for international organization personnel in the Philippines.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished simple misconduct from gross neglect of duty in a flawed government procurement case.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Understand treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Nelson Sia, Jr.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Economic Sabotage Explained
The Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for large scale illegal recruitment, an offense involving economic sabotage under Philippine law.
Insanity Defense in Philippine Criminal Law: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when insanity exempts an accused from criminal liability, applying a strict three-way test.
Dishonesty and Insubordination in the Workplace: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
The Supreme Court rules on serious dishonesty and gross insubordination by a court employee who tampered with her daily time record.
Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Bill of Particulars in Philippine Criminal Procedure: What Enrile v. Sandiganbayan Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies the role and limits of a bill of particulars in criminal cases, and the remedies available to an accused.
Attorney Disciplinary Action: When Offensive Social Media Posts Lead to Disbarment Risk
Learn how a lawyer's Facebook post accusing the Supreme Court of "judicial tyranny" led to contempt and disciplinary action under the CPRA.
Patent Infringement in the Philippines: How Claims Define Protection
Philippine patent infringement hinges on claim interpretation. The Supreme Court's Tuna Processors ruling clarifies direct and indirect infringement.
When Can a Mayor Order Demolition Without a Court Order? The Altarejos Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a mayor's power to order demolition without court intervention, reinforcing due process and property rights.
Defying Court Orders Consequences OF Disobedience IN THE Philippine Justice System
The Supreme Court clarifies that repealing a penal law does not erase criminal liability when the offense is reenacted, affirming a child pornography conviction.
Proving Adultery in the Philippines: The Valencia Case and the Burden of Proof
Understand the high standard of proof for adultery in the Philippines through the Valencia case, including evidence rules and practical implications.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Court Employees Cross the Line in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for dishonesty against court employees and the importance of integrity in the judiciary.
Civil Liability After Criminal Acquittal: What the Llonillo Case Means
Philippine law allows civil liability to survive a criminal acquittal. Learn the rules and the Supreme Court's ruling in Llonillo.
Human Trafficking in the Philippines: Qualified Trafficking and Child Protection Under RA 9208
Philippine law treats trafficking of minors as qualified trafficking with severe penalties. A recent Supreme Court ruling shows how victim testimony secures convictions.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Proving Negligence After Nuñez vs. Daz
When is a bad medical outcome negligence? The Supreme Court's Nuñez ruling clarifies the high burden of proof in Philippine malpractice cases.
Secret Detention Cells and Detainee Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges over an alleged secret detention cell, while reminding authorities of detainee rights standards.
Court Sheriff Misconduct Handling Funds and Abuse of Authority: A.M. No. P-23-111
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple and gross misconduct for receiving and misappropriating litigant funds without judicial approval.