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.
Ballot Authentication: How Missing BEI Signatures Affect Election Validity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unsigned ballots are spurious, and how voter intent prevails over technical omissions.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling on willful breach of trust as just cause for dismissal, and the price of skipping procedural due process.
Election Protests Ensuring Fair Canvassing AND Valid Proclamations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election protests, canvassing irregularities, and the validity of proclamations in electoral disputes.
When a Successor Company Inherits Illegal Dismissal Liability: The Alfante Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a successor corporation can be held liable for the illegal dismissal acts of its predecessor, and how backwages are computed.
Eyewitness Testimony and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Law
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence in drug cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
When Is a Principal Liable for an Agent's Debt? Lessons from Bordador v. Luz
The Supreme Court explains when a principal is liable for an agent's debt, and why apparent authority must be proven.
Due Process and Property Rights: Limits on Professional Regulation in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected harbor pilots' vested property rights against an administrative order that violated due process.
Why Drug Cases Stay in Regional Trial Courts Even for Small Amounts
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling explains why RTCs keep jurisdiction over drug offenses regardless of the quantity involved or penalty.
Warrantless Arrests and Searches: When Are They Legal in the Philippines?
Learn when warrantless arrests and searches are legal in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Malacat v. Court of Appeals.
Breach of Contract: Financial Obligations and Due Diligence in Land Development Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on accounting obligations, due diligence, and the consequences of failing to produce financial records in land development disputes.
When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that errors in a judge's judicial function are not administrative misconduct absent bad faith or malice.
Separation Pay Not Required After Valid Dismissal for Serious Misconduct
When is separation pay not required after a valid dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Protecting Children Under Twelve
The Supreme Court explains the two elements of statutory rape and why force, hymenal integrity, and spermatozoa are irrelevant.
Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person: Consent and Legal Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that carnal knowledge of a mentally retarded woman whose mental age is below twelve constitutes rape.
Judicial Misconduct and Unauthorized Travel: When a Judge Abandons the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses a judge for repeated unauthorized travel abroad, abandoning court duties and litigants.
Rape Conviction: Credible Testimony and Victims' Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how courts weigh victim testimony, the sweetheart defense, and damages awards.
Sequestration and Due Process: Protecting Stockholder Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how discovery rules and due process protect parties in ill-gotten wealth cases, and when cases become moot.
Due Process for Teachers: Ensuring Fair Administrative Hearings in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that public school teachers facing administrative charges are entitled to a properly constituted investigating committee under RA 4670.
Notarial Duty: Ensuring Authenticity and Preventing Misrepresentation in Legal Documents
A notary's certification is not a routinary act. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer suspended for notarizing a deed with deceased vendors.
When Court Personnel Extort Litigants: Administrative Liability Explained
A court interpreter extorted a litigant for a document's release. The Supreme Court explains administrative liability, penalties, and why resignation or transfer does not end a case.
Accountability in Judiciary Funds: A Practical Guide for Court Personnel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on JDF and Fiduciary Fund mishandling clarifies deposit rules, interest accounting, and court personnel liability.
The Limits of Mission Orders: When Can Civilians Carry Firearms Legally in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mission orders, civilian firearm possession, and the limits of authority to issue gun permits.
Robbery With Homicide: When a Conspirator Is Liable for the Acts of Cohorts
The Supreme Court explains conspiracy in robbery with homicide, holding a lookout liable for the killing committed by a co-conspirator.
Right to Counsel in Philippine Administrative Investigations: What You Need to Know
Learn when the right to counsel applies in Philippine administrative investigations, based on Supreme Court rulings and practical guidance.