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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Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Why Excuses Like Traffic and Household Chores Fail
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, ruling that traffic and family chores do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Public Duty
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, affirming that public service demands strict observance of office hours.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: The Limits of COMELEC's Power in Unofficial Vote Tabulations
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC Resolution 6712 for usurping Congress' sole power to canvass presidential votes.
Punctuality and Public Trust: Disciplining Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, reaffirming that punctuality is a core duty of public office.
Meralco Rate Hikes: Balancing Consumer Protection and Utility Viability
The Supreme Court affirms the ERC's power to grant provisional rate increases, balancing consumer protection with utility financial viability.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for Deceit in Mobilization Fund Scheme
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for contractor who misrepresented ability to mobilize equipment and misappropriated P600,000 mobilization fund.
When Circumstantial Evidence Fails: The Ador Case and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ador shows how weak circumstantial evidence, flawed identification, and uncounseled admissions cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Accountability for Murder Conspiracy and the Limits of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction, eyewitness identification, treachery, and why alibi fails against positive testimony.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Factual Review Cases
Supreme Court clarifies certiorari cannot replace appeal; default orders for repeated pre-trial absences upheld.
Unmasking the Assailant: How Witness Identification Secured a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction, ruling that positive identification by eyewitnesses outweighs alibi and proves conspiracy.
Redemption vs. Repurchase: Property Rights After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between redemption and repurchase of foreclosed property, and why timing matters.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Forum Shopping in Corporate Disputes: When Parallel Cases Get Dismissed
The Supreme Court explains when filing parallel cases on the same corporate dispute constitutes forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
MSU Liable for Official Actions: Contractual Obligations and University Presidents
Supreme Court rules Mindanao State University bound by official acts of its presidents, estopped from denying contract payments to contractor.
When a Stabbing Spree Is Homicide, Not Murder: The Treachery Requirement
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a killing during a heated quarrel, without proof of treachery, is homicide—not murder.
Judicial Misconduct: A Judge's Accountability for Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Justice
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, abuse of power, and obstruction of justice in City Prosecution Office v. Bersales.
Consent in Rape Cases: Force, Intimidation, and Credibility Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, explaining when lack of resistance signals consent and how courts test force and intimidation.
Treachery Defined: When a Surprise Attack Qualifies as Murder in the Philippines
When does a sudden attack amount to treachery that qualifies killing as murder? The Supreme Court explains the rules on treachery, bail, and double jeopardy.
Conspiracy vs Mere Presence: When Bystanders Escape Murder Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence at a crime scene does not prove conspiracy in murder cases, acquitting three accused.
Prescription and Co-Ownership: When Long Possession Extinguishes Partition Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a co-owner's long, exclusive possession can extinguish the right to demand partition through prescription.
Murder Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, focusing on treachery, witness credibility, and proper damages in People v. Escote.
Entrapment vs Illegal Search: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal warrantless searches in drug cases, and clarifies penalties for selling small amounts of shabu.