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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Due Process and Teacher Discipline: Waiver Through Estoppel in Huertas v. Gonzalez
Teacher who agreed to affidavit-based investigation cannot later challenge committee composition on due process grounds.
Certiorari as an Improper Substitute for a Lost Appeal: The Importance of Timely Filing
A Supreme Court ruling reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, and that probable cause in preliminary investigations rests on probability, not certainty.
Liability for Unfounded Accusations: Upholding Personal Dignity in Theft Investigations
When a theft suspect is publicly accused without proof, Philippine law on human relations may award moral damages.
Unlawful Arrest and the Right to Preliminary Investigation in Philippine Criminal Cases
When an arrest is unlawful, the accused gains the right to a full preliminary investigation, not merely an inquest. This article explains the rule.
Judicial Conduct and Dismissal: The Consequences of Gross Ignorance of the Law for Judges
A judge who flouts rules on preliminary investigation and bail faces dismissal. This case explains why.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance: The Rules on Preliminary Investigation and Bail
A judge's dismissal for mishandling preliminary investigations and bail bonds, and the lessons for judicial conduct.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Imperative of Fair Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Law
A lawyer's suspension for issuing worthless checks underscores the continuing duty of good moral character and the importance of fair preliminary investigations.
When Exam Integrity Is Questioned: The Limits of Mandamus in Professional Licensing
Passing a licensure exam does not automatically entitle a candidate to a professional license, especially when exam integrity is under official investigation.
Contempt OF Court Balancing Judicial Authority AND THE Right TO DUE Process IN Preliminary Investigations
Confession Under Duress: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Custodial Investigations
When a confession is extracted through violence or without proper counsel, it is inadmissible. The Supreme Court explains why.
Judge’s Administrative Liability for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Election Protests and Preliminary Investiga
A judge who shortcuts election protest proceedings and fails to transmit preliminary investigation records faces administrative sanctions, even if the complainant withdraws.
Upholding Legal Ethics: Attorneys Accountability for Misappropriating Client Funds
A look at Mercedes Nava v. Atty. Sorongon, where the Supreme Court addressed conflict of interest and the mandatory requirement of formal investigation in disbarment cases.
Confessions and Counsel: Protecting Rights During Custodial Investigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a confession obtained without truly effective counsel is inadmissible, and what this means for suspects and police.
Judicial Authority and Preliminary Investigations: Balancing Power and Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that municipal trial court judges may conduct preliminary investigations, and errors in judgment alone do not warrant administrative liability.
Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Preliminary Investigation in Election Offenses
When a judge conducted preliminary investigation on an election offense, the Supreme Court ruled this exceeds judicial authority and constitutes gross ignorance of the law.
Judicial Overreach Limits MCTC Authority in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that only specific courts may conduct preliminary investigations in libel cases under Article 360.
Judicial Conduct: Withdrawing a Complaint Does Not Bar Investigation of Erring Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that withdrawing a complaint does not stop disciplinary action against erring court personnel or lawyers.
Due Process in Lawyer Discipline: Formal Investigation Required Before Sanctions
Supreme Court remands lawyer disciplinary case to IBP for formal investigation, underscoring that due process requires a full hearing before sanctions.
Gross Ignorance of Law: Judge Fined for Acting Beyond Jurisdiction in Libel Case
A judge's mistaken assumption of jurisdiction in a libel preliminary investigation results in a P5,000 fine for gross ignorance of the law.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judge Fined for Libel Prelim Investigation Without Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court fines an MTC judge P5,000 for gross ignorance of the law after he conducted a preliminary investigation in a libel case outside his jurisdiction.
Upholding Due Process in Attorney Discipline: The Necessity of Formal Investigation
When can a lawyer be suspended without a formal investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in disciplinary cases.
Checks and Balances When Regional Prosecutors Overstep Local Authority in Preliminary Investigations
When can a regional prosecutor take over a city prosecutor's case? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of supervision and control.