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.
Speedy Trial Rights Balancing Justice AND Practicality IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that the right to speedy trial is relative and flexible, not a rigid counting of days.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases requires a full trial to determine the child's best interests, not just the child's production in court.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Speedy Trial vs Demurrer to Evidence: Protecting the Accused's Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a motion to dismiss for speedy trial violation and a demurrer to evidence, protecting accused rights.
Certiorari Not a Substitute for Lost Appeal: Lessons from Republic v. Yang Chi Hao
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal, even in naturalization cases where the government seeks to question a trial court's ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
Probate Jurisdiction Absence OF Estate Value Dooms Will Allowance
The Supreme Court nullified a will allowance because the petition failed to allege the estate's gross value, stripping the trial court of jurisdiction.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Credibility and Immediate Reporting Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, emphasizing victim credibility, immediate reporting, and trial court deference in assessing witness testimony.
When Counsel's Gross Negligence Can Win a Client a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's gross negligence deprives a client of due process and justifies a new trial.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Judicial Conduct: Premature Archiving of Criminal Cases and the Bounds of Ignorance of the Law
The Supreme Court fined a judge for gross ignorance of the law after prematurely archiving a criminal case, clarifying rules on trial in absentia.
Judicial Misconduct and Due Process: When Courts Can Try a Judge for Off-Duty Acts
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges may face criminal trial in regular courts for off-duty acts, while administrative supervision stays with the Court.
When Failure to Appear at Pre-Trial Does Not Merit Dismissal: Lessons from Anson Trade Center v. Pacific Banki
The Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's non-appearance at pre-trial may be excused, balancing procedural rules against substantial justice.
Execution Pending Appeal Barred by Unresolved Motion for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a pending motion for reconsideration prevents discretionary execution of a trial court judgment.
Jurisdiction Over Arbitral Awards: The Role of Regional Trial Courts in PCHC Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCHC rules cannot vest RTCs with jurisdiction to review arbitral awards; proper remedies explained.
Courts Must Ensure Proper Appeal Venue in Malversation Cases
Supreme Court rules trial courts must forward appeals to the correct forum, protecting accused persons' right to liberty in malversation cases.
Execution Pending Appeal in Election Protests: The Pecson v. COMELEC Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may order execution pending appeal in election contests, and when COMELEC commits grave abuse of discretion in nullifying such orders.
Family Home Exempt from Execution: When Courts Must Inquire Before Levy and Sale
Supreme Court voids execution sale of alleged family home, requiring trial courts to conduct proper inquiry before levying exempt properties.
Protecting the Family Home When Courts Must Investigate Exemption Claims
The Supreme Court voids a writ of execution where the trial court ignored claims that the property was an exempt family home.