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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Understanding Abuse of Rights When Legal Actions Cross Ethical Boundaries
When does the right to speedy disposition become a shield against inordinate delay? The Supreme Court clarifies in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
When a Bank Fails: Jurisdiction Over Claims Against Banks Under Liquidation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on which court hears claims against a bank placed under PDIC liquidation, voiding orders from a court without jurisdiction.
Supreme Court on Bail for Prisoners During COVID-19: The Almonte Ruling
The High Court explains when prisoners charged with serious offenses may seek bail or recognizance during a public health crisis.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Power of a Child's Testimony
A child's credible testimony can convict in statutory rape cases, even with minor inconsistencies. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith and Misinterpretation in Public Office: A Guide to the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's mistaken interpretation of rules negates criminal liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman's inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody. Learn the four links and insulating witness rules under RA 9165.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Ombudsman Delay Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, applying the Cagang guidelines.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Ignoring Court Orders in the Philippines
A lawyer who ignores Supreme Court directives faces added suspension. Learn the consequences of disobeying lawful orders.
Understanding Bail and Recognizance Rules: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies bail, recognizance, and prisoner release during emergencies—key insights for criminal law.
Employee Rights to Overtime, Holiday, and Service Incentive Leave Pay in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are "field personnel" and their rights to overtime, holiday, and service incentive leave pay.
The Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when Ombudsman delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Submitting Altered Evidence in Court: A Lawyer's Duty to Verify Documents
A lawyer who pre-marks altered evidence without verifying it faces discipline. The Supreme Court explains the duty of candor.
Property Title Disputes and Notarial Duties: Lessons from a Philippine Administrative Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies notarial duties in property transactions, showing why proper identity verification matters in land disputes.
Notarial Responsibilities and Lawyer Ethics: Lessons from Rivera v. Dalangin
A lawyer's duty to refuse notarizing unlawful documents and uphold honesty, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Crucial Role of Chain of Custody
Why the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect when police failed to follow Section 21 of RA 9165's chain of custody rules.
Understanding the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in Philippine Law: Insights from a Landmark Ruling
A look at the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases and how the Supreme Court applied it in Catamco v. Sandiganbayan.
Navigating Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Clubs: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Membership Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies that membership fees and assessment dues of recreational clubs are not subject to income tax and VAT.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When a Judge's Delay Draws Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court fined a judge for undue delay in rendering a decision, clarifying when judicial delay becomes administratively actionable.
Understanding the Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining why Section 21 compliance matters in Philippine drug cases.
Notarial Negligence and Property Rights: Lessons from De Guzman v. Venzon
A notary's failure to verify identity can cost you your land. Learn the rules and penalties from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Upholding Public Trust Disciplinary Actions for Tardiness and Undertime in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reminds court employees that tardiness and undertime violate the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.