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.
Scattershot Search Warrants: The “One Specific Offense” Rule Explained
When does a search warrant become an invalid “scattershot” warrant? The Supreme Court clarifies the “one specific offense” rule in Puguon v. People.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delays Lead to Dismissal in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, and when unreasonable delays can lead to dismissal of criminal charges.
Motion to Withdraw Information: When Courts Must Assess Evidence Before Dismissal
Courts must independently assess evidence before granting a motion to withdraw information. Learn the rules from a recent Sandiganbayan case.
Behest Loans in the Philippines: Understanding Anti-Graft Law and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts define behest loans, the role of RA 3019, and why loan repayment does not erase potential graft liability.
Stop-and-Frisk Searches in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
Learn when Philippine police may legally conduct stop-and-frisk searches, what limits apply, and your rights during such encounters.
Freeze Orders in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Asset Protection Under AMLA
Learn how Philippine courts protect assets from unjustified freeze orders, and why probable cause is essential under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.
Fruit of the Poisonous Tree Doctrine: When Illegal Searches Taint Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that evidence from an illegal search cannot be used in administrative proceedings, reinforcing the exclusionary rule's reach.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Right to Access Search Warrant Records: Due Process and Confidentiality in Philippine Law
Philippine courts balance due process rights against informant confidentiality when accused persons seek search warrant records.
SALN Violations and Perjury: Prescriptive Periods Explained
Learn the prescriptive periods for SALN violations and perjury in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in the Germar case.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause in Estafa Cases: Insights from Favis-Velasco v. Gonzales
Learn how the Supreme Court defined probable cause in estafa cases and why solid evidence matters in fraud complaints.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Falsification of Private Documents: Where Venue Lies Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that venue for falsification of private documents is where the falsification occurred, not where the document was used.
Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice
The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.
Concubinage, Condonation, and the Ombudsman's Power: Key Lessons from Busuego v. Ombudsman
The Supreme Court clarifies when a wife's knowledge of infidelity amounts to condonation of concubinage, and affirms the Ombudsman's broad investigative powers over public officers.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
Missed Filing Deadlines in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Barangay Dasmariñas vs. Creative Play Corner School
Learn how strict Philippine court filing deadlines are, and why a missed extension cost Barangay Dasmariñas its case before the Court of Appeals.
Grave Coercion in Property Takeovers: The Navarra Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that forceful property repossession, even with a debt claim, constitutes grave coercion under Philippine law.
Search Warrants for LPG Cylinder Misuse: Probable Cause Standards Under R.A. 623
Supreme Court ruling clarifies probable cause for search warrants involving unauthorized LPG cylinder use under R.A. 623, as amended.