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 111 of 11 articles for fair comment

Actual Malice in Libel Cases Against Public Figures: Daquer v. People Explained

When can a public official sue for libel? The Supreme Court clarifies the actual malice rule in Daquer v. People.

Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case

Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.

Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting

A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.

Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law

When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.

Contempt of Court: Balancing Free Speech and Judicial Integrity in the Philippines

The Supreme Court explains when criticism crosses the line into contempt, using a lawyer's letter to a Court Administrator as the cautionary example.

Libel and Public Interest: When Acquittal Does Not Always Mean Freedom From Civil Liability

Explore the Co v. Muñoz ruling on libel, privileged communication, and when acquittal may still leave room for civil liability claims.

When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts

The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.

Actual Malice and Media Responsibility in Reporting on Public Figures

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that public figures must prove actual malice to claim damages for false news reports.

Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.

Limits of Free Speech When Criticism of the Judiciary Becomes Contempt of Court in the Philippines

Philippine law balances free speech with judicial integrity. Learn when criticism of judges crosses the line into contempt of court.

Free Speech vs Defamation: Safeguarding Radio Commentary Through Evidentiary Standards

Philippine jurisprudence balances free speech and defamation in radio commentary, requiring clear evidence before liability attaches to broadcasters.