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.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction for Misappropriated Purchase Orders
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction when a seller used purchase order cards for personal benefit instead of remitting proceeds to the owner.
B.P. 22 Appeals: Failure to Serve Solicitor General Justifies Dismissal
Learn why failing to serve the Solicitor General in a B.P. 22 appeal can be fatal, and what procedural rules apply.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies how public social media posts can constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262, and when using ICT raises the penalty.
Search Warrants for LPG Cylinder Misuse: Probable Cause Standards Under R.A. 623
Supreme Court ruling clarifies probable cause for search warrants involving unauthorized LPG cylinder use under R.A. 623, as amended.
Partnership Disputes: Fiduciary Duties, Equitable Remedies, and the Right to Present Evidence
Supreme Court ruling on partnership disputes, fiduciary duties, equitable remedies, and the prosecution's right to present evidence in criminal cases.
Restrictive Custody in the PNP: Balancing Discipline and Liberty
The Supreme Court explains when restrictive custody of police officers under investigation is lawful and not a ground for habeas corpus.
Written Notice of Dishonor Is Essential in B.P. 22 Cases: Bax v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies that oral demands do not suffice—written notice of dishonor is required to convict under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.
Beyond Oversight: Honest Mistake in Verification and Adherence to Court Mandates
SC clarifies that honest mistakes in verification do not excuse failure to attach adverse lower court orders under Rule 42.
Judicial Impartiality in Philippine Courts: When Should a Judge Inhibit?
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges must inhibit from cases where their impartiality might be questioned, explained in plain language.
Perjury in the Philippines: When a False Statement Is Not a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why negligence, not malice, in a sworn statement does not amount to perjury under Philippine law.
Citizen's Arrest in the Philippines: Barangay Tanod Authority and Your Rights
When can barangay tanods arrest without a warrant? The Salma case explains citizen's arrest rules and your rights under Philippine law.
Double Jeopardy in Philippine Courts: When a Case Dismissal Protects You from Retrial
Understand when a case dismissal bars retrial under Philippine double jeopardy rules, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Benares v. Lim.
Illegal Demolition as Grave Coercion: Property Rights and Due Process in the Philippines
When does demolition become a crime? The Sy case shows how unlawful property destruction can constitute grave coercion under Philippine law.
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
When Judges Overstep Preliminary Investigation Boundaries: A Lesson in Judicial Overreach
SC ruling on a judge who issued arrest warrants without preliminary investigation, and the limits of judicial authority.
When Court Officials Clash: Professional Conduct in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk's public quarrel, and what it means for decorum in the judiciary.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: Not Just a Recommendation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can directly impose administrative penalties, not merely recommend them, under the Constitution and RA 6770.
Conflict of Interest and Private Practice: Lessons from Lim-Santiago v. Sagucio
A disbarment case clarifies when a lawyer's past ties create a conflict and why government prosecutors cannot practice privately.
Power Back On: Your Rights to Electricity Reconnection in the Philippines
When can a power company cut your electricity, and can you get it restored? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies your rights.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.