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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Death Penalty Abolition Impact on Penalties for Attempted Crimes in the Philippines
How R.A. 9346 changed penalties for attempted qualified rape—explained through People v. Bon, including the reclusion temporal ruling.
Ethical Obligations Mitigating Penalties for Dishonesty in Public Service Based on Humanitarian Grounds
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party declared in default may still appeal, and why humanitarian arguments cannot excuse dishonesty in public service.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
Stepfather Convicted of Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Arsayo
A stepfather's rape of his 13-year-old stepdaughter yields a qualified rape conviction, reclusion perpetua, and key lessons on evidence and penalties.
Breach of Marital Vows: Attorney's Immoral Conduct and the Legal Profession
Supreme Court rules on lawyer-client affair, immorality as professional misconduct, and penalties for breaching marital vows.
Upholding Integrity Penalties for Dishonesty in Daily Time Records Within the Philippine Judiciary
The Court holds that falsifying daily time records is grave dishonesty, warranting dismissal from the judiciary.
Substandard Deliveries in Government Contracts: When Penalties Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a milling contractor can be held liable for substandard rice deliveries under government contracts.
Delayed Remittance of Judiciary Funds: A Clerk of Court's Duty to Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's delayed remittance of judiciary funds, explaining accountability rules and penalties.
Strikes and Lockouts: Balancing Workers' Rights and Employer Interests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal strikes, work slowdowns, and the distinct penalties for union officers versus ordinary members.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: Not Just a Recommendation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman can directly impose administrative penalties, not merely recommend them, under the Constitution and RA 6770.
Ombudsman's Power to Impose Administrative Penalties: A Defining Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's disciplinary authority—whether it can directly impose penalties or only recommend them.
Breach of Trust Attorney Disbarred for Exploiting Clients Vulnerability and Acquiring Property
Learn how a Philippine attorney's breach of trust and exploitation of a client's vulnerability led to disbarment and property acquisition penalties.
Protecting Client Confidences: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflicts of Interest in the Philippines
A lawyer cannot represent opposing parties without full disclosure and written consent. This case explains the rule and its penalties.
Navigating Libel in the Philippines: Defamation, Privileged Communication, and Free Speech
Understand Philippine libel law through a landmark case—what defamation requires, when privileged communication applies, and the penalties involved.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.
When Rape Is Attempted, Not Consummated: The Miranda Case on Penetration
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted rather than consummated, and how penalties and damages differ under Philippine law.
Demurrage in Philippine Shipping: Consignee Duties and Avoiding Penalties
Philippine law holds consignees liable for demurrage when cargo is not claimed promptly. Learn the rules and practical steps to avoid penalties.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court rules Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, with higher penalties when committed through ICT.
Sheriffs Neglect of Duty and the Consequences of Delayed Writ Execution in the Philippines
A sheriff's failure to execute a writ with reasonable dispatch is gross neglect of duty, carrying severe administrative penalties.
Judicial Contempt Limits on Punishment and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies limits on a judge's contempt power, including maximum penalties and the right to post bond.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
Compassionate Justice: Evaluating Penalties and Granting Clemency in Judiciary Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court grants judicial clemency to a dismissed judge, balancing discipline with compassion in administrative cases.