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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Conspiracy and Ignominy in Rape Cases: Understanding Criminal Liability
How conspiracy and ignominy widen criminal liability in rape cases under Philippine law, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Disbarred for Investment Scam and Bounced Checks Under the CPRA
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for running an unregistered investment scheme and issuing dishonored checks, applying the new CPRA penalty framework.
Qualified Rape and Due Process: When "Niece" in the Information Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies that naming a victim as an During trial, AAA positively identified her maternal uncle as the perpetrator, narrating that he dragged her to a hut, undressed her, and inserte
COMELEC Can Disqualify Candidates for Indirect Election Fraud: Noveras Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when the COMELEC may disqualify a winning candidate for indirect election offenses under Section 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code.
Election Law Disqualification for Illegal Use of Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how a final conviction with perpetual disqualification can cancel a candidacy, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
Graft and Corruption: Navigating Good Faith in Philippine Government Contracts
The Supreme Court acquits engineers of graft for lack of evident bad faith, but orders restitution for a phantom fence project.
When Are Bank Officers Personally Liable for Corporate Decisions? PDIC v. Ilio
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank officers can be held administratively liable for corporate decisions, setting limits on personal responsibility.
Lascivious Conduct vs. Acts of Lasciviousness: How the Supreme Court Classifies Child Abuse Cases
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for molesting a 14-year-old girl and clarified the correct charge and penalty for lascivious conduct against minors.
Divorce Abroad: Proving the Right Foreign Law for Recognition in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which foreign law must be proven to recognize a divorce obtained abroad by a Filipino's alien spouse.
Lease Improvements and Builder in Good Faith: What Philippine Lessees Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who owns lease improvements and why "builder in good faith" rarely applies to lessees.
Scattershot Search Warrants: The “One Specific Offense” Rule Explained
When does a search warrant become an invalid “scattershot” warrant? The Supreme Court clarifies the “one specific offense” rule in Puguon v. People.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Property Rights Explained
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of condominium units or parking slots can challenge a writ of possession issued after foreclosure.
Failure to Ensure Witness Presence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases Protecting Rights
The Supreme Court acquitted two accused in a drug case because insulating witnesses were absent during arrest, protecting the accused's rights.
Bill Deposits and Consumer Rights: What the Supreme Court Said in Colmenares v. ERC
The Supreme Court upheld bill deposits as valid but dismissed the challenge on procedural grounds. Here's what consumers should know.
LRT Concession Supreme Court Upholds Government Authority AND DUE Process IN Public Private Partnerships
The Supreme Court upholds the LRT 1 concession agreement, affirming government authority and due process in public-private partnerships.
When Approving Officers Must Refund Disallowed Amounts: The Net Disallowed Amount Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that approving officers are liable only for the net disallowed amount, not the full expenditure, when payees are excused.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law: When Is It Enough to Convict?
The Supreme Court acquits a rape-with-homicide accused, clarifying when circumstantial evidence falls short of moral certainty.
When a Bank's Letter of Guaranty Does Not Bind It to Pay: Planters Development Bank v. Fuerte
The Supreme Court ruled that a letter of guaranty must be read as a whole, and a bank may withhold payment when the collateral title is not clean.
Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Courts: The Barraquio Case and Rule 37
Learn the strict requirements for newly discovered evidence under Rule 37 and what the Supreme Court's Barraquio ruling means for litigants.
Bangsamoro Organic Law Upheld: Supreme Court Affirms Autonomy and Self-Determination
The Supreme Court affirms the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, upholding the right to self-determination and the establishment of the BARMM.
Enforced Disappearance and the Writ of Amparo: What the Tayo Ruling Means
The Supreme Court reaffirms the Writ of Amparo as a remedy for enforced disappearance, holding police accountable for failing to investigate.
Bangsamoro Autonomy: Plebiscite Rights in Creating New Municipalities
The Supreme Court ruled that creating new Bangsamoro municipalities requires a plebiscite in all directly affected political units, not just the new town's barangays.
Safeguarding Justice: The Judiciary Marshals Act and Its Implementing Rules
The Supreme Court approved the IRR of the Judiciary Marshals Act, creating an armed unit to protect judges and secure the courts.