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 Disposition of Cases: Balancing Justice and Efficiency in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, resulting in dismissal.
Eminent Domain and Prior Rights: Resolving Land Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract rights, port operations, and jurisdictional issues in infrastructure disputes.
Plain View Doctrine Upholds Warrantless Seizure in Illegal Firearm Possession
The Supreme Court affirms that a firearm seen tucked in a suspect's waist during a lawful police response falls under the plain view doctrine.
Negligence in Handling Government Funds: A Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be held liable for negligence in handling government funds and the right to speedy disposition of cases.
Protecting Children: Statutory Rape and Sexual Assault Convictions Clarified
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused can be convicted of both statutory rape and sexual assault arising from a single incident against a child.
Bank Liable for Moral Damages Over Mortgage Redemption Insurance Non-Disclosure
When a bank offers mortgage redemption insurance, it must disclose coverage limits. Learn from Land Bank v. Miranda why non-disclosure can lead to damages.
Seafarer Wins Attorney's Fees After Being Compelled to Litigate Disability Claim
Supreme Court reinstates attorney's fees for seafarer with Meniere's Disease, ruling he was compelled to litigate to recover disability benefits.
Simple Neglect of Duty: When a Clerk of Court's Caution Crosses the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when a clerk of court's erroneous reliance on procedural rules amounts to simple neglect of duty, not gross misconduct.
Drawing the Line When Gun Display Becomes Direct Assault on Traffic Enforcers
Supreme Court clarifies when pointing a gun at a traffic enforcer constitutes direct assault, not mere resistance, under Philippine law.
Bank Negligence in the Philippines: The BDO v. Seastres Case on Extraordinary Diligence
When banks fail to exercise extraordinary diligence, they can be held fully liable for unauthorized withdrawals, as the Supreme Court ruled in BDO v. Seastres.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
The Supreme Court clarifies when persistent fist blows from a drunk aggressor constitute unlawful aggression justifying self-defense in the Philippines.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for fund mismanagement, tampered receipts, and delayed deposits.
Child Abuse and Sexual Assault: Understanding Philippine Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law punishes child abuse and sexual assault, including key rules on evidence and penalties.
Citizen Suits and Native Title: What the Maliones Case Means for Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizen suits protect the environment but cannot resolve native title claims, which belong to the NCIP.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Lawyer Misconduct When Dishonesty Leads To Disbarment IN THE Philippines
A lawyer who issues worthless checks and reneges on obligations may face disbarment, especially if a repeat offender.
Heirship in Property Disputes: Can Ordinary Civil Actions Decide Inheritance?
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirship can be resolved in an ordinary civil action, not just special proceedings, for property disputes.
Circumventing Procurement Laws: Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Local Officials
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Buguias officials who bypassed competitive bidding under R.A. 9184, reinforcing public trust standards.
Combating Human Trafficking: Elements and Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and the penalties for violators.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.