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.
Can Creditors Garnish Public Officials' Salaries? Supreme Court Says Yes
Public officials' salaries are not exempt from garnishment absent a specific law, the Supreme Court ruled, clarifying the limits of wage protection.
Robbery by Extortion: When Law Enforcement Crosses the Line
Police officers who demand money to drop charges commit robbery by extortion. The Supreme Court explains why.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Navigating Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between probable cause and due process in preliminary investigations, affirming a direct bribery conviction.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Cockfighting Law: When Local Officials Can Hold Events Outside Licensed Cockpits
Supreme Court clarifies when cockfights may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.
Understanding the Limits of Private Complainants in Challenging Criminal Case Dismissals in the Philippines
Explore how Philippine courts treat private complainants' appeals in criminal case dismissals, including standing and procedural rules.
Obscenity Laws vs. Free Speech: The Madrilejos Ruling on Manila Ordinance 7780
The Supreme Court’s Madrilejos ruling clarifies how Philippine obscenity laws must balance regulation with constitutionally protected free expression.
Corporate Records Access: Stockholder Rights and Officer Duties After Dissolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records survives corporate dissolution and continues during liquidation.
Theft in Telecommunications: Defining International Simple Resale and the Limits of Search Warrants
The Supreme Court clarifies that international simple resale constitutes theft under Philippine law and explains the rules on search warrants.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
The Perils of Alibi: Why Positive Identification Alone Cannot Guarantee Conviction
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused despite positive identification, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and intimidation beyond reasonable doubt.
Ignorance of the Law Excuses No One: Erroneous Application of Mitigating Circumstances
A judge's error in appreciating mitigating circumstances leads to a fine for gross ignorance of the law, explaining the rules on plea of guilty and voluntary surrender.
Invalid Promulgation of Judgment: When Philippine Courts Fail to Follow Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court explains what makes a valid promulgation in absentia and when the accused's right to appeal accrues.
Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint: Does It Auto-Dismiss Cases Against Court Personnel?
Withdrawing an administrative complaint against court personnel does not automatically end the case. The Supreme Court explains when dismissal is proper.