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.
Taxing Telecommunications: Local Government Power vs. Franchise Exemptions
The Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government Code's withdrawal of tax exemptions prevails over PLDT's franchise exemption claim under R.A. 7925.
Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Documents and Fraudulent Land Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for forging a special power of attorney to sell clients' land without consent.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Government Procurement Quality Standards Prevail Over Expediency in Public Spending
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of GSIS payment for non-conforming generator, upholding strict procurement standards over expediency.
Dying Declarations and Juvenile Offenders: Defining Justice in Rape with Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape-with-homicide conviction based on a dying declaration but spares a 15-year-old from death.
Impartiality on the Bench: Overcoming Bias Allegations in Philippine Courts
A notary public's duty to verify signatories personally is sacrosanct. This case explains the consequences of failing that duty.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Improper Document Acknowledgment
A notary public who acknowledges a document without the signatories appearing before him violates the law on notarial acknowledgment and faces suspension.
Clerks of Court Cannot Charge Fees for Receiving Ex Parte Evidence
Supreme Court rules clerks of court cannot collect commissioner's fees for receiving ex parte evidence; reprimand issued in A.M. No. P-02-1594.
Limits on Complainants' Right to Appeal Dismissal: People v. Velez
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who delay decisions and commit gross ignorance of law.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Optional Retirement Rights and Labor Tribunals' Limits in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies optional retirement requires explicit employee consent, and labor tribunals lack jurisdiction over tax refund claims.
Executive Power vs Legislative Domain: Defining Reorganization Authority in Philippine Sports Governance
A 2003 Supreme Court ruling on EO 81 clarifies the President's power to reorganize the Executive Branch and transfer agency functions.
Plunder and Conspiracy: Defining "Combination or Series" in Amassing Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes a "combination or series" of acts in plunder cases, and the scope of conspiracy among co-accused.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Contractual Obligations Prevail: Bank's Right to Offset Debts Despite Trustee-Beneficiary Claims
Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may validly apply a borrower's funds to settle debts, even amid trustee-beneficiary claims.
Child Witness Testimony in Murder Cases: When a Child's Word Can Convict
When can an eight-year-old's testimony convict in murder cases? The Supreme Court explains the rules on child witness credibility.
Conspiracy Unmasked When Silence Implies Guilt IN Murder AND Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence and silence can establish conspiracy in murder and kidnapping cases.
Barangay Election Substitution After Candidate's Death: The People's Mandate Prevails
Supreme Court allows substitution of deceased barangay election candidates, honoring voter will over technical rules.
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Right to Information: Accused Cannot Be Convicted of a Crime Not Clearly Charged
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape case, ruling an information need only state the essential elements, not every detail.
False Credentials Lost Promotion Integrity IN Public Service
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for falsifying educational credentials in Personal Data Sheet, affirming public office as a public trust.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Procedural Rules Meet Substantive Justice
Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification requirements in corporate cases.
Stock Transfer Recording Requirement for Corporate Recognition as Stockholder
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why transfer of shares must be recorded in corporate books before a transferee can compel issuance of stock certificates.