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.

Showing 16 of 6 articles for chief justice

DOJ Authority Over Preliminary Investigations: What It Means for Criminal Procedure in the Philippines

The Supreme Court recognizes the DOJ's authority to issue its own rules on preliminary investigations and repeals inconsistent provisions of Rule 112.

When Court Errors Are Not Misconduct: Judicial Discretion vs. Administrative Liability

The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline.

Gross Discourtesy in the Judiciary: The Clerk of Court Case and Its Lessons

A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's discourtesy shows the high standards of conduct expected of all judicial personnel.

Stop and Frisk During Election Periods: When Police Searches Are Valid

The Supreme Court explains when a warrantless stop and frisk search is valid, using an election gun ban case as an example.

Quo Warranto and Judicial Integrity: The Sereno Case Explained

The Supreme Court's Sereno ruling clarifies that quo warranto can oust impeachable officers who lack constitutional qualifications like proven integrity.

Hotel Liability for Lost Vehicles: Necessary Deposits Under Philippine Law

When a hotel valet loses a guest's vehicle, who pays? Philippine law on necessary deposits and the Durban Apartments ruling explain.