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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Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
Homicide and Self-Defense: Burden of Proof and Mitigating Circumstances
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why self-defense must be proven by the accused and how courts assess voluntary surrender and damages in homicide cases.
Limits to Private Appeals Examining the Scope of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law
A private complainant cannot appeal a PNP administrative case; only the government and respondent may do so under RA 6975.
Upholding Court Dignity Limits to Criticism in Legal Advocacy
Court explains how criticism of judges must remain respectful; reckless attacks undermine judicial integrity and may be penalized.
Eminent Domain and Abandonment: Reversion of Expropriated Land for Lack of Public Use
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, courts may order reconveyance to the original owners.
Eminent Domain Abandonment of Expropriated Property and the Right to Reconveyance
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, owners may reclaim the property. Learn the rules.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Ensuring Impartiality Upholding Raffle Rules IN Court Case Assignments
Tax Refund Claims and the Commissioner's Investigative Duty: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn how Philippine courts handle tax refund claims, the Commissioner's investigative duty, and why substantiating claims with income tax returns is crucial.
Lawyer Disbarred for Gross Immoral Conduct: Abandoning Wife and Children
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who abandoned his wife and 12 children to cohabit with another woman, ruling gross immoral conduct warrants the ultimate penalty.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Court Employee Penalized FOR Discourteous Behavior AND Misconduct
The Supreme Court ruled that a court employee's discourteous behavior and misconduct warrant disciplinary action, reaffirming strict ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Judicial Admissions: When a Lawyer's Statement Binds the Client in Lease and Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on judicial admissions, binding statements, and liability in contract disputes involving lost cargo and damages.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Just Compensation for Power Line Easements: Full Market Value, Not 10% Cap
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that power line easements may require full market value compensation, not the statutory 10% cap.
Procedural Compliance and Corporate Rehabilitation: Ensuring Fair Adjudication of Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural rules serve justice, not frustrate it, in corporate rehabilitation appeals.
Seafarer Dismissal Upheld: Totality of Infractions and Due Process in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court upholds seafarer's dismissal based on totality of infractions, but awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Supreme Court on Homicide Conviction and Credibility of Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court upholds a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility and medical evidence in criminal cases.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.
Concurrent Jurisdiction and Estoppel: Ombudsman vs. DepEd in Teacher Discipline
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's concurrent jurisdiction over public school teachers and the estoppel bar against belated jurisdictional challenges.
Pharmacists' Negligence: The High Standard of Care in Dispensing Medicine
When a pharmacist gives the wrong medicine, that mistake is negligence. The Supreme Court explains the high standard of care for drugstores in Mercury Drug v. De Leon.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: When Separation Pay Bars Retirement Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenched employees can claim retirement benefits on top of separation pay under the Labor Code and CBA.
When Shipowner Negligence Sinks the Limited Liability Defense in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when shipowners lose the limited liability rule due to actual negligence in cargo loss cases.