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.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Accountability for Misconduct and Negligence in Court Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling holds a judge, court staff, and a sheriff liable for delays, negligence, and breaches of confidentiality in court operations.
Accountability for Accomplices: Conspiracy in Carnapping with Homicide
How the Supreme Court held four accused liable for carnapping with homicide through conspiracy, and what this means for accomplice liability.
From Murder to Homicide: Proving Treachery and Superior Strength in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and abuse of superior strength qualify killing as murder, and when they don't.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Reclaiming Rights After a Missed Court Appearance
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process rights when a party misses a court appearance and faces a default judgment.
Redefining Family Driver Civil Code Rules In The Absence Of Labor Code Coverage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that family drivers are governed by Civil Code rules, not Labor Code, after the Kasambahay Law's repeal.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Missing Witnesses Can Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory, stressing strict chain of custody rules.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Strict Compliance With Section 21 Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in Section 21 compliance, reaffirming the importance of the chain of custody rule.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Police Procedure Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to police lapses in chain of custody, reaffirming strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over missing media and DOJ witnesses, reinforcing strict chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Breach of Public Trust: Negligence in Permitting Construction Without Proper Clearance
Philippine Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of Intramuros Administrator for gross inexcusable negligence under RA 3019 for allowing construction without permits.
Strict Compliance with Chain of Custody Rules in Drug Cases: People v. Acub
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to strictly comply with Section 21, RA 9165, on chain of custody.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: When a Traffic Stop Leads to an Unconstitutional Intrusion
The Supreme Court acquits a motorist after police conducted an unlawful search during a routine traffic stop, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Public Office vs Private Interests: When Loans Become Unlawful Under RA 6713
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials violate RA 6713 by obtaining loans from cooperatives they regulate, and why membership rights do not exempt them.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Missing Witnesses Mean Acquittal
A drug conviction was reversed because police failed to secure media and DOJ witnesses during inventory. Learn the chain of custody rules.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: When Traffic Stops Violate Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court acquits a motorist after police conducted an unlawful search during a routine traffic stop, reaffirming constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.
When a Lawyer’s Dealings Warrant Suspension: Sanidad v. Aguas
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for one year for dishonest dealings in a property sale, applying Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Government Control vs Corporate Structure: Defining Audit Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that government control, not corporate form, determines COA audit jurisdiction over corporations in the Philippines.
Treachery Defined: When a Deceptive Act Turns a Crime Into Murder
The Supreme Court explains how a sudden, deceptive attack constitutes treachery, elevating a killing to murder under Philippine law.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
When Judges Interfere with Writs of Execution: A Lesson in Judicial Conduct
A judge who stopped a sheriff from implementing a writ of execution was fined for conduct unbecoming a judicial officer.
Arson and Homicide: How the Primary Motive Determines Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a death during a fire is absorbed by arson or punished separately, based on the offender's main objective.
Upholding Constitutional Rights: The Imperative of Impleading Indispensable Parties in Seizure Cases
This case clarifies the Ombudsman's right to intervene in appeals from its administrative rulings, and the procedural rules that govern such intervention.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Substitute for Force in Father-Daughter Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a father's moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and why conviction stands.
When a Station Search Goes Too Far: Hot Pursuit Arrests and Search Incident Limits
A valid hot pursuit arrest does not justify a later station house search. Know the limits of search incident to arrest.