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.
Airline Liability: The Ticket-Issuing Carrier Responsible for Your Entire Journey
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: ticket-issuing airlines are principals in contracts of carriage and liable for the acts of partner carriers on any segment.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Obligations AND Equitable Relief IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sale-leaseback arrangements, equitable mortgages, and deed of assignment effects on debtor obligations.
Judicial Efficiency: Sanctions for Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions
A judge's failure to decide cases within 90 days is undue delay, a less serious offense under Rule 140.
Administrative Liability of Judges: Errors of Judgment vs. Misconduct
Explaining when judges face administrative liability for legal errors, citing the dismissal of charges against Judge Legaspi.
Judicial Discretion vs Mandatory Rules: Extending Search Warrant Validity
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's erroneous extension of a search warrant's validity is an administrative offense or a protected error of judgment.
Murder Conviction Upheld: Treachery and Voluntary Surrender in People v. Arca
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery in murder cases and the mitigating effect of voluntary surrender in People v. Arca.
Judicial Efficiency Mandate: Undue Delay in Resolving Appeals Warrants Fine
A judge's 106-day delay in transmitting appeal records constitutes gross inefficiency, warranting a P11,000 fine under Rule 140.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden and Unexpected Attacks
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, emphasizing that sudden, unexpected attacks from behind constitute treachery, not self-defense.
Good Faith in Administrative Actions: Protecting Public Officials From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith in filing administrative cases shields public officials from disciplinary liability, but lawyers must still respect courts.
Treachery Defined When A Coordinated Attack Removes The Chance Of Self Defense
The Supreme Court explains how holding a victim's wrists while another stabs constitutes treachery, qualifying killing to murder.
Option to Buy: Exercising Rights Without Immediate Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an option to buy can be exercised without immediate payment, but only under specific conditions.
Defining Common Carriers When A Limited Clientele Doesnt Equal Private Carriage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a shipping firm with a limited clientele can still be a common carrier under the Civil Code.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsified Time Records: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Court employee suspended one year for habitual tardiness and falsifying time records. A reminder that public office is a public trust.
Carnapping With Homicide: Conspiracy and Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on carnapping with homicide, conspiracy among co-accused, and when extrajudicial confessions to private persons are admissible.
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.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
Indefinite Suspension for Lawyer’s Gross Immoral Conduct: Zaguirre v. Castillo
The Supreme Court indefinitely suspends a lawyer for siring a child outside marriage and reneging on his sworn support, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold moral standards at all times.
Cyber Libel Prescription: One Year from Discovery, Not Publication
The Supreme Court clarifies that cyber libel prescribes in one year from discovery, not publication, and settles the doctrinal value of unsigned resolutions.
When Reckless Imprudence Causes Death: Penalties, Contributory Negligence, and Voluntary Surrender
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, when contributory negligence matters, and why voluntary surrender may not reduce the sentence.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Identifying the Accused Beyond Uncertainty
How Philippine courts assess proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases, and why a child victim's clear testimony prevails over denial.
Limits on Complainants' Right to Appeal Dismissal: People v. Velez
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who delay decisions and commit gross ignorance of law.
Judicial Integrity: Proving Bribery and Corruption Charges Against Philippine Judges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges for misconduct, delay, and ignorance of the law.
Treachery Defined: How Sudden Attack Establishes Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery as sudden, unexpected attack and clarifies rules on unlicensed firearms, penalties, and damages in murder cases.