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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When a Barangay Captain Cannot Be Independent Counsel: Extrajudicial Confessions and the Constitution
A barangay captain who is a lawyer cannot act as independent counsel for a suspect. The Supreme Court explains why the confession was inadmissible.
Supreme Court Reinstates Title Reconstitution Despite Missing Land Records
A look at Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic, where the Supreme Court clarified the rules on reconstituting lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Taxing Charity: Real Property Tax Exemptions for Non-Profit Hospitals in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-profit hospitals qualify for real property tax exemptions under the Constitution and Local Government Code.
Majority of All Members: How Comelec En Banc Votes Are Counted Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court abandoned its earlier ruling in Cua and held that the Comelec en banc must decide by a majority vote of all its members, not just those who deliberated.
PAGCOR Franchise Limits, Delegation, and Mootness in Constitutional Challenges
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR cannot delegate its franchise, and explains when constitutional challenges become moot.
Arbitration vs Judicial Review: Defining the Boundaries of Contractual Disputes in the Philippines
When a contract contains an arbitration clause, can courts still hear constitutional questions? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of jurisdiction.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: A Cornerstone of Fair Trial in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the right to speedy disposition of cases and why delays alone do not violate the Constitution.
Balancing Speed and Justice: The Constitutional Right to a Speedy Disposition of Cases
Understand the right to speedy disposition of cases, the balancing test for delay, and what Bernat v. Sandiganbayan means for litigants.
Confession Under Duress: Safeguarding Constitutional Rights in Custodial Investigations
When a confession is extracted through violence or without proper counsel, it is inadmissible. The Supreme Court explains why.
Confession Without Counsel Inadmissibility AND Protection OF Constitutional Rights IN Theft Cases
Supreme Court acquits four in qualified theft case after ruling that confessions taken without effective counsel and evidence from an unlawful arrest are inadmissible.
Confessions AND Constitutional Rights Safeguarding THE Accused IN Robbery With Homicide Cases
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity
A look at how the Supreme Court balances police discretion in buy-bust operations against the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Presidential Power vs Constitutional Limits: The Illegality of Declaring a State of Rebellion
The Supreme Court ruled that declaring a "state of rebellion" is a superfluity with no legal effect, clarifying the limits of presidential power under the Constitution.
COA Audit Authority Over Water Districts: Protecting Public Funds
The Supreme Court affirms COA's audit jurisdiction over local water districts, declaring PD 198's private audit provision unconstitutional.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lost certificate of title may be reconstituted, ruling on the sufficiency of evidence under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
Supreme Court clarifies evidence required to reconstitute lost land titles, balancing strict rules with practical realities in property disputes.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.
Tax Exemptions in Special Economic Zones: Limits on Presidential Power
Supreme Court rules President cannot grant tax exemptions in special economic zones—only Congress can, under the Constitution.
Judicial Overreach When Judges Overstep Bail Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc ruling for violating the constitutional rule on division jurisdiction in election cases.
Unlawful Search in Drug Cases: When Evidence Becomes Inadmissible
Learn when warrantless searches in Philippine drug cases violate constitutional rights and render seized evidence inadmissible in court.
Ensuring Constitutional Safeguards THE Imperative OF Written Examinations IN Search Warrant Issuance
Judicial Efficiency Imperative Resolving Cases Within Prescribed Deadlines
Why Philippine judges must resolve cases within constitutional deadlines, and the consequences of delay, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
When Constitutional Limits Bar Recovery of Illegally Acquired Property
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an alien who bought land through a Filipino cannot recover the property or his money.