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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Judicial Impartiality: Dismissal of Judge for Gross Ignorance and Partiality in Election Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross ignorance and partiality in election protest, applying obsolete laws to favor a litigant.
Faith Healing or Reckless Endangerment: Distinguishing Intent in Unlicensed Medical Practices Under Philippine
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when unlicensed faith healing causing death is reckless imprudence, not murder.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt Upholding Conviction IN Drug Sale AND Possession Despite Procedural Claims
Safeguarding Suffrage: Voter Registration Deadlines and Comelec's Authority
The Supreme Court upholds Comelec's authority to enforce the 120-day voter registration ban under RA 8189.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
Breach OF Trust IN Employment Upholding Employers Right TO Terminate FOR Misconduct
Redundancy vs Illegal Dismissal: Employer’s Burden to Prove Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that redundancy requires proof of good faith and fair process; employers must justify dismissals.
Positive Identification Over Alibi: The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification, rejecting the defenses of alibi and alleged due process violations.
Protecting Land Titles: The Limits of Collateral Attacks in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects registered land titles from collateral attacks, using the 2001 Tan v. Philippine Banking Corp. case.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Entrapment vs Instigation: When Does a Drug Buy-Bust Become Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and illegal instigation in drug buy-bust operations.
When Arbitration Clauses in Employment Contracts Become Unfair: The Magellan Case
The Supreme Court explains when arbitration clauses in employment contracts are void for giving one side too many arbitrators.
State Participation in Marriage Nullity Cases: Protecting the Inviolability of Marriage
The Supreme Court remands a nullity case for retrial because the State failed to actively participate, underscoring marriage's inviolable nature.
Arbitration Integrity Ensuring Fairness IN Corporate Employment Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for lawful dismissal of managerial employees, focusing on procedural due process and loss of trust and confidence.
Double Jeopardy and Reinstatement of Dismissed Cases: The Speedy Trial Exception
When can a dismissed criminal case be reinstated without violating double jeopardy? The Supreme Court explains the speedy trial exception.
Conspiracy and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
The Court upholds robbery-with-homicide convictions built on conspiracy and eyewitness identification, but clarifies that a paltik gun does not prove illegal possession.
Fair Rental Value in Unlawful Detainer: Key Lessons from Catungal v. Hao
How Philippine courts determine fair rental value when a lease expires, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Catungal v. Hao.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules: Clarifying the Timeline for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that amended procedural rules on the 60-day certiorari period apply retroactively to pending cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim’s Testimony in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, underscoring that a minor victim's straightforward testimony prevails over alibi and denial.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Due Process in Drug Sale Arrests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies entrapment vs instigation in drug busts, affirming a buy-bust conviction for shabu sale.
Ombudsman's Power to Prosecute Public Officials in All Courts Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can investigate and prosecute public officials in both the Sandiganbayan and regular courts.
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Certiorari 60-Day Period Counted From Denial of Reconsideration
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day certiorari period runs from denial of reconsideration, applying procedural rules retroactively.
Judges Must Resolve Cases Within 90 Days or Face Administrative Sanctions
Supreme Court reminds judges to decide cases within 90 days, penalizing delay with fines for gross inefficiency.