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.
When Judges Face Harassment Suits: The TRO Rules and Judicial Independence
Supreme Court dismisses administrative case against two RTC judges over TRO issuance, clarifying when judicial errors become disciplinary liability.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Trademark Rights for Dissimilar Goods: The Canon Case and Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark owner can stop others from using the same mark on unrelated products, and the limits of Paris Convention protection.
Attorney Conflict of Interest in the Philippines: Lessons from Sibulo v. Cabrera
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for representing opposing parties in the same case, and the ethical rules on conflict of interest.
When Alibi Becomes Strong: Why Weak Prosecution Evidence Means Acquittal
A Supreme Court ruling shows that alibi, though a weak defense, prevails when prosecution evidence is feeble and fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
PEZA Cannot Cancel Lease Contracts Without Due Process: The Saffirou Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that PEZA's unilateral cancellation of a lease agreement without hearing violates due process and may be enjoined by courts.
Presidential Supervision vs Control: Protecting Local Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court limits presidential power over LGUs, striking down IRA withholding while allowing advisory economy measures.
Judicial Efficiency vs Negligence: The 90-Day Rule for Judges
Philippine Supreme Court fines judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period, underscoring judicial accountability.
Upholding Election Officer Reassignments: Balancing Independence and Preventing Familiarity
The Supreme Court upheld Section 44 of RA 8189, which limits election officers to four years per station to ensure impartiality.
Accountability for Homicide: Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Circumstance in a Stabbing Case
The Supreme Court explains when voluntary surrender mitigates homicide and why a fleeing co-accused may be acquitted.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Extramarital Affairs and Judicial Employee Conduct
Supreme Court ruling on a court stenographer's extramarital affair shows judicial employees are held to strict moral standards in private life.
Collective Guilt Establishing Conspiracy in Group Criminality
When does holding a victim's hand during a gang attack make you guilty of murder? The Supreme Court explains conspiracy.
Breach of Trust Upholding Termination for Managerial Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a manager for loss of confidence based on fraudulent invoicing and refusal to explain.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Migrant Workers from Deceitful Recruiters
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, protecting overseas Filipino workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Absence of Conspiracy Leads to Acquittal in Estafa Case for Lack of Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits an accused in an estafa case, ruling that conspiracy must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not merely inferred from presence or interest.
Collective Liability and Conspiracy in Criminal Actions: People v. Aquino
When does mere presence or participation in a transaction amount to criminal conspiracy? The Supreme Court clarifies in People v. Aquino.
Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government and the limits of the quantum meruit principle.
Due Process in Preliminary Investigations: Raro v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that defects in a preliminary investigation do not automatically invalidate an information or violate due process.
Murder or Homicide: Understanding Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery qualifies killing as murder, using the Antonio v. People case as a guide.
Prioritizing Assignment Rights: The Battle Over Promissory Notes in Trust Receipt Agreements
Supreme Court rules on competing claims over promissory notes under trust receipts and deeds of assignment, emphasizing proof and priority.
Contempt of Court: Balancing Judicial Authority and Individual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on indirect contempt, fines versus indefinite incarceration, and the courts' coercive power to enforce orders.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Binds the Client: The Mercury Drug Rule on Notice and Final Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to inform the client of an adverse judgment is binding, and when relief from judgment is unavailable.
Ejectment Case Dismissal for Failure to Appear: Due Process in Philippine Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to appear at preliminary conference in ejectment cases warrants judgment and what due process requires.
Negligence in Patent Applications: How Attorney Laches Can Cost You Patent Rights
When lawyers fail to respond to patent office actions, applicants may lose their rights. The Supreme Court explains why.