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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The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
Judicial Ethics: Maintaining Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in the Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a Batangas land dispute clarifies when a trial court may deny a motion to dismiss and why it must not defer that resolution until trial.
Treachery in Robbery With Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can aggravate robbery with homicide when the victim is killed treacherously, affecting penalty imposition.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
Motion to Dismiss Clarifies Court's Duty and the Boundaries of Prescription
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the proper appellate remedy from COSLAP decisions and the boundaries of prescription in land disputes.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Statements and the Limits of Bribery Claims in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing an unproven bribery complaint against a judge while penalizing false statements under judicial ethics.
Treachery in Group Assault: When Murder Qualifies Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery in a coordinated group attack qualifies killing as murder, even without evident premeditation.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Overstep Supervisory Bounds and Circumvent Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on when reprimanding a complainant violates due process, and why withdrawing an administrative complaint does not end the case.
Intrafamilial Rape: Conviction Upheld on Minor's Credible Testimony and Parental Relationship
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father convicted of raping his 13-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony and proven relationship.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Judicial Employee Accountability: Delayed Remittance of Fiduciary Funds Is Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerks of court: delayed remittance of judiciary funds constitutes dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Rape and Consent: Understanding Force and Intimidation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how force and intimidation prove rape without consent, and when minority aggravates the crime.
Eyewitness Identification and the Immateriality of Motive in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on positive eyewitness identification, clarifying that motive, the murder weapon, and ballistic reports are not essential to prove guilt.
Reviving Criminal Cases: Balancing Speed and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived, balancing the State's right to prosecute with the accused's right to due process.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Judicial Efficiency vs Protracted Delay: The Duty of Judges to Resolve Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional dismissal of criminal cases requires the accused's express consent and notice to offended parties.
Carnapping With Homicide: Conspiracy and Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on carnapping with homicide, conspiracy among co-accused, and when extrajudicial confessions to private persons are admissible.
Binding Corporations: When Board Resolutions Matter in Contractual Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate personality, board resolutions, and when stockholders can sue—explained in plain language.
Checks AS Guarantee Lagman VS People When A Bounced Check Becomes A Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a check issued as a guarantee, not payment, falls under the Bouncing Checks Law.
The Indispensable Hearing Safeguarding Rights in Bail Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds trial courts that bail in capital offenses requires a full hearing, not just a motion.
When Land Disputes Stay in Regular Courts: The DARAB Jurisdiction Test
The Supreme Court clarifies that DARAB only has jurisdiction over land disputes when a true tenancy relationship exists between the parties.
Judicial Overreach Limits MCTC Authority in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that only specific courts may conduct preliminary investigations in libel cases under Article 360.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly or Face Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty for delayed execution of writ, emphasizing prompt enforcement of judgments.
Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.