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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Contempt of Court: Due Process and Just Penalties in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the proper procedure and penalties for indirect contempt, emphasizing due process rights.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and the Rejection of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs alibi and denial defenses.
Compromise Agreements and the Limits of Technicalities in Enforcing Judgments
A debtor's repeated legal maneuvers cannot suspend the enforcement of a valid compromise agreement approved by the court. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on execution and prescription.
Excise Tax Uniformity: Rationalizing Cigarette Tax Classification Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the tiered excise tax on cigarettes, explaining how the classification freeze and Annex at 1996 prices, remained in lower tax brackets despite selling
Illegal Recruitment Conviction Stands Even Without Direct Misrepresentation of Authority to Deploy Workers Abr
The Supreme Court affirms that giving the impression of ability to send workers abroad, without express claims of authority, constitutes illegal recruitment.
Altered Checks and Holder in Due Course Protection Under the Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court ruling on drawee bank liability for altered checks and holder in due course protection under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate and ROD Records
Supreme Court clarifies what evidence suffices to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Legislative Overreach Supreme Court Limits Congressional Power Over Agency Regulations
The Supreme Court upholds RA 9335 but strikes down legislative veto provisions, reaffirming separation of powers in administrative law.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: Protecting Borrowers From Excessive Loan Costs
The Supreme Court affirms that monthly interest rates of 5% to 7% are unconscionable and may be reduced to 12% per annum.
Election Gun Ban vs Illegal Firearm Possession: Avoiding Double Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person can be convicted of illegal firearm possession during an election gun ban period.
Probable Cause vs Hard Facts: What Balangauan v. CA Teaches About Estafa Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in estafa cases, rejecting the DOJ's demand for "hard facts" before filing charges.
Substantial Compliance Upholding Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
In Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation v. Garchitorena, the Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with procedural rules can prevent outright dismissal of appeals.
Government Employee Benefits Unauthorized Allowances Violate Standardization Laws
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of P10,000 food basket allowance to BFAR employees for lack of legal basis.
Freelance or Employee? The Test for Newspaper Columnists in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Twin Resolutions and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Heirs of Valdez v. Court of Appeals
When a court issues two conflicting resolutions on the same day, what happens to the case and the forum shopping rule? The Supreme Court explains.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Upholding Due Process and Fairness
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld HLURB findings in Sta. Lucia Realty v. Uyecio, clarifying substantial evidence, contract cancellation, and refund interest.
Ombudsman’s Power to Discipline and the One-Year Rule Under RA 6770
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative offenses do not prescribe and the Ombudsman can directly impose penalties on erring officials.
When Is a Newspaper Columnist an Employee? The Orozco Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Deadline Compliance Is Key: Loss of Mining Rights Due to FTAA Application Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to meet FTAA relinquishment deadlines under DMO 97-07 results in automatic cancellation of mining applications.
Neglect of Duty in Subpoena Service: A Process Server's Responsibility
A process server's failure to verify a witness's whereabouts before returning a subpoena unserved constitutes simple neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Dismissal OF A Clerk OF Court FOR Grave Misconduct
Importation Rules on Abandonment and Duty Assessment in Customs Law
Chevron v. Commissioner of Customs clarifies when imported goods are deemed abandoned and how customs duties are assessed under the TCC.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Why Punctuality Is a Public Trust Duty
A court stenographer's habitual tardiness leads to reprimand, reaffirming that punctuality is a core duty of every judicial employee.