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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When an Overbroad Search Threatens Individual Rights: The Plain View Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless seizures under the plain view doctrine are valid and when they violate constitutional rights.
Floating Interest Rates and Trust Receipts: Solidbank Ruling on Bank Obligations and Corporate Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on invalid floating interest rates, trust receipt transactions, and corporate officer liability in banking.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Gonzales-Flores
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, explaining what counts as recruitment and why convictions stand.
Search Warrant Validity and Plain View Doctrine in Drug Possession Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on search warrant requirements, plain view doctrine, and inadmissible evidence in drug possession cases.
Extending Lease Agreements: Judicial Discretion and Tenant Rights Under Article 1687 of the Civil Code
When can courts extend a month-to-month lease under Article 1687? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial discretion and tenant rights.
Preventive Suspension and the Sandiganbayan's Authority Over Public Officials
The Supreme Court upholds the Sandiganbayan's power to order preventive suspension of public officials, including senators, under RA 3019.
Temporary Appointments vs. Security of Tenure: What Philippine Government Employees Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that accepting a temporary government appointment may mean losing permanent status and its security of tenure.
Self-Defense Claims: Proving Imminent Threat and Reasonable Response in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for self-defense claims in homicide cases, requiring clear evidence of unlawful aggression.
Psychological Incapacity in Marriage: Defining Utter Insensitivity Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity requires grave, incurable personality disorders, not mere emotional immaturity or irresponsibility.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Establishing Intent in Sudden Attacks
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks establish treachery in murder cases, even when attacker and victim exchange words first.
Raffle Promotions: When Overdue Accounts Disqualify Prize Winners
Supreme Court rules on when overdue accounts can forfeit raffle prizes in Mondragon International Philippines v. Blanco.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Lessons from Montes v. Bugtas
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period is gross inefficiency, even with heavy workloads.
Wage Disputes and Managerial Prerogatives: Balancing Labor Rights and Business Realities
In LMG Chemicals v. Secretary of Labor, the Supreme Court upheld a wage increase and retroactive CBA, clarifying the limits of an employer's financial-loss defense.
Attempted Rape Conviction Affirmed: Court Explains Elements and Penalties
The Supreme Court affirms an attempted rape conviction, clarifying the elements, evidentiary standards, and penalties under Philippine law.
Judicial Misconduct: The Limits of Helping and the Imperative of Impartiality
A look at how the Supreme Court defines judicial misconduct, emphasizing the limits of assistance and the non-negotiable duty of impartiality for judges.
Parental Authority and Child Abuse: Upholding Protection of Children Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a father's moral ascendancy cannot excuse acts of lasciviousness against his child under R.A. 7610.
Self-Defense, Unlawful Aggression, and Conspiracy: Lessons from People v. Tumayao
The Supreme Court clarifies self-defense, conspiracy, and treachery in a murder case, and explains the effect of an accused's death on appeal.
Protecting Overseas Workers: Solidary Liability and Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the solidary liability of local recruitment agencies and the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving overseas Filipino workers.
Judges Must Know the Law: Gross Ignorance and Its Consequences
When a judge issues warrants and conducts proceedings without knowing basic rules, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn from Oporto v. Monserate.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Attempted Rape: Credibility of Witnesses Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attempted rape, witness credibility, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in criminal cases.
Credibility in Rape and Murder Cases: The Weight of a Witness's Testimony
In People v. Carpo, the Supreme Court upheld a conviction based on one eyewitness, showing how Philippine courts weigh testimony, alibi, and flight.
Overseas Placement Agencies: Fair Treatment of Workers and the Rule on Illegal Exactions
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on overseas placement agencies, illegal exactions, contract substitution, and the need for published rules.
Due Process and Notice: When Failure to Notify Voids Court Proceedings in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how defective pretrial notice violates due process and voids default judgments.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Process Limits in Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief justifies dismissal of an appeal and binds the client.