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.
Estafa and Bouncing Checks: Understanding Penalties and Retroactivity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when RA 10951's reduced estafa penalties apply retroactively and why a trial court erred in releasing a convict.
Navigating Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Understanding the Limits and Safeguards
The Supreme Court clarifies when plea bargaining is allowed in drug cases, the trial court's discretion, and the protection of double jeopardy.
Red-Tagging and the Writ of Amparo: Protecting Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when red-tagging can justify a writ of amparo, reversing a trial court's outright dismissal of an activist's petition.
When Courts Can Overrule Prosecution Objections in Drug Case Plea Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, remanding cases for proper evaluation.
Supreme Court on Plea Bargaining: Courts May Overrule Prosecution's Objection in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts can allow plea bargaining in drug cases despite prosecution objections, citing People v. Montierro.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Can a Judge Overrule the Prosecution?
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may accept plea bargains in drug cases even over the prosecution's objection.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Supreme Court Clarifies
The Supreme Court nullified a writ of possession in an NGCP expropriation case, ruling that trial courts must first determine the expropriator's authority before issuing the writ.
Docket Fees and Class Suits: When Philippine Courts Lack Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay docket fees and improper class suits deprive trial courts of jurisdiction over a case.
When Courts Can Approve Plea Bargains Over Prosecution Objection in Drug Cases
Explains when trial courts may approve plea bargains in drug cases despite prosecution objection, citing People v. Esma.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: DOJ Guidelines and Court Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may approve plea bargaining in drug cases and the role of evidence in resolving objections.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Judicial Discretion Over DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that trial courts must resolve plea bargaining proposals in drug cases based on evidence, not just DOJ guidelines.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: Why Prosecutors' Consent Matters Under Rule 116
The Supreme Court voids a drug conviction where the trial court approved a plea bargain over the prosecution's objection, reaffirming Rule 116.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Probable Cause and Government Procurement: Insights from the DOH v. Pascua Case
The Supreme Court dismissed DOH petitions against a trial court's TRO and injunction in a bidding dispute, ruling the case moot after the project proceeded.
SSS v. Seno: Trial Court Discretion Over Withdrawal of Criminal Information
Supreme Court clarifies trial court discretion in denying withdrawal of criminal information and limits on ordering reinvestigation in SSS contribution cases.
Finality of Court Control Over Criminal Cases: SSS v. Seno on Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in SSS v. Seno on trial court discretion over motions to withdraw criminal informations and due process limits.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
Understanding Jurisdictional Limits in Lease Disputes: A Guide to Security Deposits and Court Competence
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease disputes over security deposits fall under municipal trial courts versus regional trial courts.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
Alias Writ of Possession: The Limits of Trial Court Authority in Appeal Dismissals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a trial court may dismiss an appeal, and why orders of execution are not appealable.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.
Cooperative Officer Dismissal Jurisdiction Lies With Regional Trial Courts NOT Labor Tribunals
Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal cases filed by cooperative officers like general managers are intra-cooperative disputes under RTC jurisdiction.