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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Attorney Suspended for Six Months for Signing Deed With False Statements
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing false statements, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold truth even when following client wishes.
When Investment Promises Fall Short: Estafa and Other Deceits Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a broken investment promise is estafa, and when it becomes
Ombudsman Dismissal for Dishonesty Affirmed: Gasoline Withdrawals for Unserviceable Vehicles
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of city official found guilty of dishonesty for withdrawing government gasoline for unserviceable and personal vehicles.
When Lawyers Sign False Documents: A Cautionary Tale from the Supreme Court
A lawyer's suspension for signing a deed with false statements shows why attorneys must uphold the law, not just their client's wishes.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Proper Identification in Legal Documents
A lawyer's notarial commission revoked and practice suspended for notarizing a deed using only a community tax certificate as identification.
Lawyer Suspended for Signing Falsified Deed in Family Property Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for signing a deed of sale containing falsehoods, reaffirming lawyers' duty to uphold truth.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty in Government Service and Its Consequences
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for dishonesty when a government official misused fuel for personal vehicles, and why length of service cannot excuse grave offenses.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause: Balancing Employer Rights and Due Process in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when employers still owe employees procedural due process.
Self-Defense vs. Treachery: The Boundaries of Justifiable Homicide in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Establishing Tenancy Requires Concrete Evidence: Landowner Rights Upheld
Supreme Court rules tenancy cannot be presumed; claimants must prove all elements with substantial evidence, not mere certifications.
Tenancy Rights: Establishing a Bona Fide Tenant Under Agrarian Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine DARAB jurisdiction and what allegations establish a bona fide tenant in agrarian disputes.
Extraordinary Diligence: Carrier Liability for Misdelivered Goods
When a courier delivers to the wrong person, the shipment is legally "lost." The Supreme Court explains carrier liability and the limits of air waybill exemptions.
Seafarer Death Benefits: When Illness Is Not Work-Related Under the POEA Contract
The Supreme Court denies death benefits to a seafarer's heirs, ruling lung cancer from smoking was not work-related and death occurred beyond the contract term.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Insanity Defense and Mental State at the Time of the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof for insanity defense and mental state in criminal cases, using People v. Rupal as a guide.
Ransom and Restraint: Defining Kidnapping for Extortion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of kidnapping for ransom under Article 267, showing how extortion and deprivation of liberty define the crime.
Upholding Conviction in Drug Sale: Minor Inconsistencies Do Not Taint Evidence Integrity
Minor witness inconsistencies do not destroy a drug sale conviction when the corpus delicti's chain of custody remains intact.
Courts Must Independently Evaluate Evidence Before Allowing Amendment of Criminal Information
Supreme Court rules trial courts commit grave abuse of discretion when they approve amended criminal informations without independently assessing the evidence.
Barangay Dispute Resolution Lawyers Barred From Lupon Appearances
The Supreme Court clarifies that lawyers cannot appear before the Lupon Tagapamayapa, preserving the informal, conciliatory character of barangay justice.
Lawyers Barred From Lupon Proceedings: A Reminder on Barangay Justice Integrity
SC reprimands lawyer for appearing in barangay conciliation proceedings, affirming the mandatory ban on counsel under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law.
Prescription of SALN Violations Under RA 6713: When the Eight-Year Period Runs
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for failing to file SALNs under RA 6713 begins—from commission, not discovery.
Protecting Minors THE Supreme Court ON Rape Credibility AND THE Weight OF A Childs Testimony
Reassessing Criminal Liability From Murder to Homicide Based on Evidence of Intent and Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder or homicide, requiring proof of treachery and intent beyond reasonable doubt.
Double Taxation and Refund of Erroneously Paid Local Business Taxes in Manila
Supreme Court clarifies when a taxpayer can refund local business taxes after protesting an assessment and paying under protest in Manila.
Probable Cause and Graft Liability When a Governor's Request Shapes Public Bidding
Supreme Court ruling on graft liability of DPWH-ARMM officials for irregularities in infrastructure projects, including premature contractor mobilization.