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 Integrity: Partiality and Dishonesty in Court Proceedings
When a judge alters orders and shows bias, public trust in the judiciary suffers. The Supreme Court's ruling explained.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Justice In Highway Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms a highway robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that positive identification prevails over a weak alibi defense.
Bouncing Checks Law: When a Valid Cause to Stop Payment Defeats a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer who stopped payment on postdated checks due to a developer's failure to complete a townhouse project.
Illegal Lumber Possession: Why Correct Forest Product Documents Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber possession clarifies why Certificates of Lumber Origin, not Timber Origin, are required and the penalties involved.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Navigating Rights and Guilt in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when waivers of rights are invalid and how conspiracy is proven in murder cases.
Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Limits on Ombudsman's Power: Court Upholds Anti-Graft Prosecution Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot interfere with Ombudsman's prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse, in anti-graft case.
Upholding Employers Right TO Dismiss FOR Fraud THE Philippine Airlines Case
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the standard.
When Courts Overstep Authority in Preliminary Investigations: Domondon v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's prosecutory discretion, and when judicial overreach becomes grave abuse.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why Corporate Officers Must Sign
A corporation's certification against forum shopping must be signed by an officer, not counsel. The Supreme Court explains why in Digital Microwave Corp. v. Court of Appeals.
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Insufficient Identification in Drug Sale Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug sale convicts when police cannot identify who sold marijuana, applying reasonable doubt standard.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
Clouded Titles: Protecting Land Ownership Rights Against Invalid Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land ownership rights when fraudulent claims, invalid mortgages, and void free patents cloud title.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Ignores the Supreme Court and the Law
A 2000 Supreme Court ruling shows that judges can be fined for failing to follow a mandatory reporting law and for remarks that undermine the Court's authority.
Duty and Diligence: Upholding Efficiency in Public Service
A Supreme Court administrative case reminds court employees that efficiency and diligence are non-negotiable duties in public service.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Influence: Striking the Balance in Criminal Case Dismissal
When can a judge dismiss a criminal case on the prosecutor's recommendation? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion.
Interpleader Actions: Procedure, Jurisdiction, and the Proper Remedy for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interpleader procedure, jurisdiction, and why dismissal orders must be appealed, not challenged via certiorari.