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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Premature Writ of Demolition: Due Process and the Sheriff's Duty in Philippine Execution
When can a sheriff implement a writ of demolition, and what happens when a motion for reconsideration is pending? The Supreme Court's ruling in A.M. No. P-98-1268 offers guidance.
Breach of Trust When Workplace Misconduct Leads to Dismissal in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge's dismissal for grave abuse of authority and gross ignorance of the law, highlighting due process and judicial conduct standards.
Due Process in Court: Why Proper Notice and Hearing Are Non-Negotiable
A judge dismissed for quashing a search warrant and granting bail without notice—what this means for fair procedure in Philippine courts.
Judicial Efficiency and Integrity: Consequences of Delay and Falsification in the Philippine Judiciary
Explore how a judge's failure to decide cases on time and falsified certificates of service led to dismissal, underscoring judicial accountability.
Successor Beware: Why Due Diligence Is Key to Avoiding Prior Judgments in Philippine Property Law
A buyer of Philippine property can be bound by a court judgment against its seller, even if not named in the suit. Learn the due diligence lesson from Eternal Gardens v. Court of Appeals.
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Right of Way Easements in the Philippines: The Least Prejudice Rule and Due Process
Philippine courts require hearing all affected landowners in right of way disputes. Learn the least prejudice rule from Almendras v. Court of Appeals.
Can Labor Cases Be Decided Solely on Position Papers? Understanding Due Process in Philippine Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when labor arbiters may decide cases based only on position papers without trial, and what due process requires.
When Words Fail and Knives Speak: Self-Defense and Homicide in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails, how accomplices differ from principals, and why a heated argument defeats treachery.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: Key Differences and Employer Responsibilities in the Philipp
Learn the legal distinction between independent contractor and labor-only contracting, and the employer responsibilities that follow, based on a 1998 Supreme Court ruling.
Final Judgment Is Final: Understanding Annulment of Judgment in the Philippines
When can a final criminal judgment be annulled? The Supreme Court explains the limits of annulment of judgment and due process.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments in the Philippines: Arbitration Clauses and Due Process
When can a foreign judgment be enforced in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains arbitration clauses, due process, and presumptive validity of foreign rulings.
Unlicensed Firearm in Philippine Murder Cases: Understanding Aggravating Circumstances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how unlicensed firearms affect murder charges, from separate offense to aggravating circumstance under RA 8294.
Mandatory Bail Hearings in Capital Offenses: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules bail in capital offenses requires mandatory hearing; judges fined for granting bail without due process.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Due Process in NLRC Appeals: Why Employers Must Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court rules on due process in labor appeals, explaining why the NLRC cannot decide cases without giving both parties a chance to be heard.
Due Process in Ejectment Cases: When Can a Landlord Enter Abandoned Premises?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on landlords entering abandoned leased premises in ejectment cases, and the limits of procedural due process.
Self-Defense or Murder: Understanding Justifying Circumstances in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and why a killing may be homicide, not murder, in People v. Solis.
Corporate Mergers and Contract Enforcement: Successor Liability in the Philippines
When a Philippine corporation merges, the surviving company assumes all rights and liabilities—even for contracts signed after the merger agreement.
Protecting Your Right to Present Evidence: Ensuring Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts protect the right to present evidence and ensure due process in criminal cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Warranting Precision: Why Describing the Right Place Is Crucial in Search Warrants
The Supreme Court explains why the place to be searched must be described with precision, and the consequences of a vague warrant.
Protecting Your Property Rights: Encroachment and Builder in Bad Faith in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property encroachment and the consequences of being a builder in bad faith, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Understanding Sudden Attack in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases through a sudden stabbing attack, clarifying the elements and legal consequences.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Courts Believe Daughters Over Fathers in Incest Cases
Philippine courts give weight to a daughter's testimony in incest rape cases, citing moral ascendancy and the unlikelihood of false accusations.