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.
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Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying Time Records and the Limits of Jurisdiction
Court clarifies that dropping an employee from the rolls does not divest it of jurisdiction over pending administrative cases for dishonesty.
Ombudsman's Primary Jurisdiction: Who Investigates Public Officials First
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman's primary jurisdiction over public officials' cases prevails once it takes cognizance of a complaint.
A Philippine Judge's Court Session Abroad: When Territorial Jurisdiction Is Overstepped
The Supreme Court sanctioned a judge who held hearings at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco, ruling that judicial power ends at Philippine borders.
Court Interpreter Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds: A Lesson in Public Trust
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for misappropriating P540,500 in fiduciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Writs With DUE Notice AND Jurisdictional Respect
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' duty to give notice and coordinate with local sheriffs when enforcing writs outside their jurisdiction.
HRET Jurisdiction Over Election Contests After a Congressman's Proclamation
Once a winning congressional candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET, not the COMELEC or Supreme Court, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
When Does Prescription of Penalties Begin? The Doctrine of Evasion of Sentence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes while serving imprisonment.
Prescription of Penalties: Imprisonment Must Begin Before Evasion Can Trigger Prescriptive Period
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that prescription of penalties under Article 93 RPC only runs when a convict escapes during actual imprisonment, not while at large.
Service by Publication in the Philippines: Strict Rules for Valid Summons
Learn the strict requirements for valid service of summons by publication in the Philippines, and why procedural lapses can void court judgments.
Service of Summons Ensuring Due Process in Forcible Entry Cases
A forcible entry case is a real action in personam; defective substituted service of summons voids the judgment for lack of jurisdiction.
Forum Shopping Dismissal: Redundant Suits to Prevent Conflicting Judgments
The Supreme Court explains when filing two derivative suits for the same underlying dispute constitutes forbidden forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
Why Deadlines Matter in Appeals: The Rule on Inexcusable Neglect
A one-day late appeal cost a company its case. Learn the strict rule on reglementary periods and inexcusable neglect in Philippine appeals.
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Court Orders Promptly and Consequences of Dereliction
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ of demolition without delay constitutes dereliction of duty, warranting administrative penalties.
When Sheriffs Overstep: The Duty to Execute Judgments Strictly As Written
A sheriff's dismissal for dishonesty underscores the rule that execution must follow the judgment exactly—no more, no less.
Tax Assessment Validity: Strict Requirements for Waivers of the Statute of Limitations
Philippine Journalists, Inc. v. CIR clarifies that waivers of the tax prescription period must strictly comply with BIR regulations to be valid.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Attempted Murder Based on Insufficient Circumstantial Evidence
The Supreme Court acquits a school principal of attempted murder, ruling that hearsay and unverified confessions cannot support a conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Lawyer Fined P10,000 for Negligence in Handling Client's Replevin Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P10,000 for negligence and dereliction of duty in handling a client's replevin case, citing Canon 18 violations.
Navigating Ombudsman Decisions Understanding Certiorari AND Supreme Court Jurisdiction
Losing Your Day in Court: Understanding the Strict Rules of Appeal in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that permanent injunctions cannot bar government banks from foreclosing mortgages, and explains the limits of moral damages.
Real Property Sale Obligations: Who Pays Registration and Capital Gains Tax
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on vendor obligations for registration expenses, eviction of occupants, and capital gains tax in property sales.
Victory Liner Liability: Breach of Contract of Carriage and Passenger Safety
Supreme Court ruling on common carrier liability for passenger death, negligence of counsel, and damages in breach of contract of carriage.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.