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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Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Anti-Graft Cases: Odin Security Agency v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court explains when courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause and the limits of certiorari review in graft cases.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Mayoral Prerogative vs Police Professionalism: Understanding the Limits of Local Executive Power in Police App
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a mayor's appointment power with the need for police professionalism and legal limits.
Judicial Efficiency Upholding Timely Resolution Mandates IN Election Protests
Court rules judges must decide election protests within 30 days of submission, imposing fines for inexcusable delay.
Court Decisions vs HLURB Rulings: Judicial Precedence in Mortgage Validity Cases
When a court decision and an HLURB ruling conflict, which prevails? The Supreme Court clarifies the hierarchy and finality of judgments.
Redemption Rights Upholding Timely Redemption IN Foreclosure Cases
Explaining the one-year redemption period in extrajudicial foreclosures and why a redemption made on the last day is valid.
Attorney’s Lien in the Philippines: Can It Attach to Real Property?
Philippine law limits attorney’s liens to judgments and client documents—not land. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
The Perils of Mistaken Identity: Alibi and Witness Credibility in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling on how positive identification outweighs alibi, and the consequences of mistaken identity in murder cases.
When the Smoke Clears: Differentiating Robbery With Homicide From Illegal Firearm Possession
A bus holdup leads to a key ruling on when a gun found elsewhere cannot prove illegal possession, and how robbery-homicide is charged.
Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Robbery With Homicide: The Marquez Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when robbery with homicide is proven beyond reasonable doubt, and when illegal possession of firearm charges fail.
Beyond the Logbook: Upholding Employee Rights in Administrative Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court protects employees' rights in administrative cases, ensuring fairness beyond mere documentation and procedural compliance.
Upholding Workplace Conduct: Carrying Firearms in the Hall of Justice and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court rules on a court employee carrying a firearm in the Hall of Justice, finding misconduct and oppression while protecting employee rights.
The Element of Surprise: Establishing Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at how the Supreme Court defines treachery in murder cases, using a 2001 decision as a guide.
Interpleader Actions Resolving Rental Payment Disputes Between Claimants
When two parties claim the same rental payments, an interpleader action can resolve the conflict. The Supreme Court explains its limits.
Cameras in Court: The Estrada Trial and the Right to a Fair Hearing
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on live TV coverage of the Estrada trial, balancing public information against the accused's right to a fair trial.
Balancing Fair Trial Rights and Public Access: The Estrada Trial Audio-Visual Recording Ruling
The Supreme Court's 2001 ruling on the Estrada trial balanced fair trial rights with public access, allowing delayed audio-visual recordings while prohibiting live broadcast.
Deceptive Promises in Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Lessons from People v. Arabia
When do false promises of overseas jobs become both illegal recruitment and estafa? The Supreme Court explains in People v. Arabia.
Estate Tax Deficiency Assessments: Balancing Government Revenue and Taxpayer Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when estate tax surcharges and interest apply, and how taxpayers can contest deficiency assessments.
SSS Contribution Claims: When Does the Clock Start Ticking on Prescription Periods in Philippine Law
Understand how prescription periods apply to SSS contribution claims in the Philippines, based on recent Supreme Court rulings and statutory deadlines.
Estate Tax Deficiency: When Surcharges and Interest Apply Under the NIRC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate tax deficiency surcharges, interest, and penalties under the NIRC, explained for lay readers.
Clerk of Court Fined for Dereliction of Duty in Delayed Case Transmittal
Supreme Court holds Clerk of Court liable for inefficiency and incompetence after 10-month delay in transmitting court orders and records in a criminal case.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Mortgagee Rights In Title Nullification Suits
When a title nullification suit omits the mortgagee, the resulting judgment is void. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Can an Employer Be Sued for an Employee’s Libel? The Premature Enforcement Rule
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employer’s subsidiary liability for an employee’s libel can only be enforced after criminal conviction, not before.
Good Faith in Property Acquisition: Protecting Torrens Titles From Unrecorded Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects buyers of registered land from unrecorded claims, and why a notice of lis pendens must be properly annotated.