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.
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.
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.
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.
Reckless Imprudence in Philippine Traffic Accidents: What Veneracion v. People Teaches Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies reckless imprudence liability in traffic accidents, emphasizing driver precautions and evidentiary standards.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Judicial Inefficiency: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Pending Matters Promptly
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in resolving incidents violates the Constitution and the Code of Judicial Conduct.