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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Breach of Trust and Managerial Dismissal: Defining the Limits of Employer Discretion in the Philippines
When can a Philippine employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Motions in Estate Proceedings
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to resolve motions within 90 days is gross inefficiency, even in complex estate cases.
Safeguarding Suffrage: Voter Registration Deadlines and Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court upholds Comelec's authority to enforce the 120-day voter registration ban under RA 8189.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstatement of Dismissed Cases: The Speedy Trial Exception
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the speedy trial exception.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
Certiorari 60-Day Period Counted From Denial of Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day certiorari period runs from denial of reconsideration, applying procedural rules retroactively.
Judges Must Resolve Cases Within 90 Days or Face Administrative Sanctions
Supreme Court reminds judges to decide cases within 90 days, penalizing delay with fines for gross inefficiency.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Clarifying the Timeline for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that amended procedural rules on the 60-day certiorari period apply retroactively to pending cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim’s Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that a minor victim's straightforward testimony prevails over alibi and denial.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute Public Officials in All Courts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can investigate and prosecute public officials in both the Sandiganbayan and regular courts.
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: When Filing Separate Cases Becomes Improper
Learn when filing separate cases becomes improper forum shopping in the Philippines, based on recent Supreme Court jurisprudence.
When the Supreme Court Corrects Aggravating Circumstances in Murder Convictions
A look at People v. Cachola, where the High Court affirmed murder convictions but corrected the trial court's appreciation of aggravating circumstances.
Land Dispute Jurisdiction: How Assessed Value Decides Where to File
The Supreme Court in Aliabo v. Carampatan explains when a municipal trial court may hear a land dispute and why assessed value determines jurisdiction.
Parental Authority vs Child's Well-Being: Redefining Attempted Rape Boundaries
Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted, not consummated, and splits appellate jurisdiction in father-daughter abuse case.
Prior Use and Confusing Similarity in Trademark Cancellation Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains prior use, confusing similarity, and the Paris Convention in trademark cancellation disputes.
Reasonable Doubt and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in People v. Lavapie
The Supreme Court acquitted two murder accused after finding material inconsistencies between witness testimony and physical evidence, reaffirming the reasonable doubt standard.
Rape, Parental Authority, and Moral Ascendancy in Child Abuse Cases
How moral ascendancy and parental authority establish force in rape cases, and why the Supreme Court reduced the death penalty.
Familial Betrayal and the Burden of Proof: Rethinking Rape Convictions in the Philippines
In People v. Freta, the Supreme Court reduced a father's death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the prosecution failed to prove his daughter's minority.
Judicial Ethics Under Scrutiny: Accountability for Misconduct Outside the Courtroom
A look at how the Supreme Court treats judicial misconduct committed outside court, and what it means for public trust in the judiciary.
Safeguarding Confessions: The Right to Competent Counsel in Custodial Investigations
A suspect's confession is inadmissible without effective, independent counsel during custodial investigation. The Supreme Court explains why in People v. Patungan.
Docket Fees and Intervention: Y Realty's Quest for Justice in Marcos Wealth Case
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved docket fee issues in intervention cases involving recovered Marcos assets.
Beyond Words: Establishing Rape Through Credible Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible witness testimony and circumstantial evidence can establish rape convictions.