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.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Timely Transmit Preliminary Investigation Records
Why a judge's failure to transmit preliminary investigation records within 10 days is a punishable offense under Philippine law.
Protecting Children: Defining Lascivious Conduct and Child Abuse Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes lascivious conduct and child abuse under RA 7610, protecting minors from sexual exploitation.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Is Ministerial: Lessons from Legaspi v. Tobillo
A sheriff's failure to promptly implement a writ of possession constitutes gross neglect of duty, resulting in administrative liability.
Safeguarding Journalistic Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Discourse
Philippine law on libel and actual malice explained, with practical guidance for journalists, media practitioners, and public commentators.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Court Administration
The Supreme Court holds clerks of court to strict standards of diligence, ruling that delayed transmittal of appeal records constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
When is a construction worker a project employee rather than a regular one? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on tenure and illegal dismissal.
Prompt Disposition Mandate: Disciplining Judges for Case Delays
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for undue delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory nature of the 30-day period under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.
Expanding Sandiganbayan's Reach: Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over officers of government-owned corporations, regardless of how they were created.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Jurisdiction
Court clarifies that dropping an employee from the rolls does not divest it of jurisdiction over pending administrative cases for dishonesty.
When a Judge Goes Too Far: Territorial Limits on Philippine Court Proceedings
A judge held liable for conducting court proceedings in the US without authority, explaining the territorial limits of Philippine courts.
Good Faith Payments and Prior Satisfaction as Grounds for Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
Supreme Court acquits corporate officer in BP 22 case where the dishonored check was fully paid two years before charges were filed.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases as a Judge's Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges that heavy caseloads do not excuse delay in deciding cases, imposing fines for gross inefficiency.