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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Setting Bail Judges Must Consider Offenders Finances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bail discretion, judicial misconduct, and the duty of judges to resist pressure when setting bail.
Rape Conviction Hinges on Proof of Relationship: The Evidentiary Standard for Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that qualifying circumstances like relationship in rape cases require strict documentary proof before the death penalty may be imposed.
Right TO Counsel AND DUE Process Ensuring A Fair Trial IN Criminal Cases
Due Process in Death Penalty Cases: Waiver of Right to Present Evidence
When can a court deem an accused to have waived the right to present evidence? The Supreme Court explains the due process limits.
Circumstantial Evidence Alone Can Convict: Homicide, Not Murder, in People v. Matito
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction, and why the killing was homicide, not murder.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Says
Learn when union officers and members can be dismissed for illegal strikes, and the due process rules employers must follow.
Illegal Strikes: Balancing Worker Rights and Employer Interests in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when union officers and members may be dismissed for illegal strikes, and what due process requires.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Exceeds the Threat in Philippine Law
When a victim fights back against a rapist, does the law punish excessive force? Philippine jurisprudence explains the limits.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Perils of Alibi in Philippine Murder Cases
A guilty plea to murder does not prove aggravating circumstances; prosecution must still establish them, as shown in People v. Segnar.
Backwages Despite Just Cause Dismissal: When Procedure Matters in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees dismissed for just cause but denied due process, and the limits of certiorari.
Expropriation and Due Process: When a City's Power of Eminent Domain Fails
The Supreme Court ruled that the City of Manila violated due process in expropriating private land for housing, failing to exhaust other acquisition modes under RA 7279.
Incestuous Rape Revisiting Penalties and the Application of Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for incestuous rape, emphasizing proof of minority and the mandatory award of civil indemnity.
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Election Protest and Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for gross ignorance of law, due process violations, and failure to transmit criminal case records to prosecutors.
Judge’s Administrative Liability for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Election Protests and Preliminary Investiga
A judge who shortcuts election protest proceedings and fails to transmit preliminary investigation records faces administrative sanctions, even if the complainant withdraws.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity
A look at how the Supreme Court balances police discretion in buy-bust operations against the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Water District Board Members AND Compensation Clarifying Limits ON Allowances Beyond PER Diems
When a Guilty Plea Doesnt Guarantee Conviction Ensuring DUE Process IN Capital Offenses
The Supreme Court clarifies that a guilty plea in capital offenses requires strict compliance with due process, ensuring the accused fully understands the consequences before conviction.
Rape Conviction and the Age of the Victim: Evidentiary Standards in Philippine Law
Philippine courts require proof beyond reasonable doubt of the victim's age in rape cases, especially when qualifying circumstances like minority are alleged.
Justice Tempered: Due Process and Conviction in the Chiong Sisters Case
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of seven men for kidnapping and murdering the Chiong sisters, analyzing due process rights.
Upholding Judicial Accountability THE Consequences OF Ignoring Court Directives AND Undue Delay IN Resolving Cases
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof and Due Process in Termination Cases
Learn the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, the employer's burden of proof, and due process requirements in employee termination cases.