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.
Rape and the Incapacity to Consent: Protecting the Intellectually Disabled in Philippine Law
Philippine law treats rape as a violation of autonomy, especially when the victim cannot consent due to intellectual disability. This article explains the key ruling.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
Falsifying Time Records: A Breach of Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
Court interpreter suspended six months for falsifying daily time records to attend law school. The Supreme Court rules on dishonesty, due process, and public accountability.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Banks vs Unregistered Land Sales in the Philippines
When does a bank lose protection as a mortgagee in good faith? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unregistered land sales.
Formal Charges and Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law: The Salva v. Valle Ruling
Philippine administrative law requires a valid formal charge before dismissal. The Salva v. Valle ruling explains why.
Employer's Duty to Recall Employees After Six-Month Suspension of Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a bona fide suspension of business operations beyond six months makes employee termination illegal unless workers are recalled.
Right to Silence in Custodial Investigations: What People v. Guillen Means for Accused Persons
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence during custodial investigation cannot be used as implied admission of guilt against an accused.
Dismissal for Drug Use Upholding Integrity in the Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for shabu use, ruling it grave misconduct that tarnishes the Judiciary's image and integrity.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Fair Compensation in Land Reform: Upholding Valuation Standards in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts must follow DAR valuation formulas in agrarian reform cases, not subjective judgments.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Breach of Public Trust: When Dismissal in Government Service Fails Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on why a government employee's dismissal for insubordination was void for violating due process requirements.
Jail Officers Negligence Defining Gross Misconduct in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on when a jail officer's negligence and consent to a prisoner's escape constitutes gross misconduct in public service.
Balancing Due Process and Anti-Money Laundering: Freeze Orders and Property Rights
Supreme Court rules indefinite freeze orders violate due process; six-month extension limit applies under the Rule in Civil Forfeiture Cases.
Grave Neglect of Duty in Public Office: The Samson De Leon Case
When does a public official's inaction become grave neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in this administrative law case.
Double Jeopardy and Speedy Trial Rights in the ASEAN Street Lighting Case
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on double jeopardy, speedy disposition, and amended informations in Braza v. Sandiganbayan.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
When a Drug Sale Isn't a Sale: Payment Must Be Completed for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal drug sale requires actual payment, not just delivery. Learn the key elements and why possession still leads to conviction.
Unraveling Estafa: The Supreme Court's Stance on Misappropriation and Probable Cause
A look at Burgundy Realty v. Reyes, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of estafa and the low bar for probable cause in preliminary investigations.
Preventive Suspension Grounds: When Philippine Civil Servants Face Removal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preventive suspension may validly issue against civil servants pending administrative investigation.
Falsification of Official Documents: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's DTR falsification underscores that public office is a public trust and dishonesty merits severe penalties.