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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Conspiracy by Presence: When Being in a Robbery Band Establishes Guilt
The Supreme Court explains how mere presence in a robbery band, with a weapon, can establish conspiracy and guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Sudden Stabbing Is Homicide, Not Murder: Lessons from People v. Macaspac
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden attack lacks treachery and evident premeditation, reducing murder to homicide.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Ombudsman's Duty to Uphold Impartiality in Internal Investigations
The Supreme Court reminds judges that impartiality and diligence are non-negotiable, even in internal administrative matters.
Digging for Trouble: When Unauthorized Excavation Leads to Dismissal
Supreme Court rules on grave misconduct for court employees who dug for hidden treasure inside the SC compound in Baguio.
Court Personnel Dismissed for Grave Misconduct in Fee-Fixing Scandal
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for grave misconduct—soliciting fees from litigants and unauthorized withdrawal of publication fees.
Judicial Appointments: The President's Prerogative vs the JBC's Mandate
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for judicial vacancies is unconstitutional, affirming the President's appointing power.
Executive Prerogative vs JBC Independence: Defining the Scope of Judicial Appointments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the JBC's clustering of nominees for simultaneous vacancies is unconstitutional, as it impairs the President's appointing power.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Drug Case: People v. Ismael
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where police failed to mark seized shabu immediately and observe Section 21 safeguards.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring strict Section 21 RA 9165 compliance.
Project Employment vs Regular Employment: What Philippine Law Says
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and not regular employees, and what this means for termination rights.
Breach of Contract vs. Damages: How Philippine Courts Determine Jurisdiction
Philippine courts determine jurisdiction by the primary relief sought, not the complaint's label. Learn how the Supreme Court clarified this in a landmark ruling.
When Courts Overstep: The Right to Appeal Void Judgments in Civil Service Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that void judgments never become final, preserving the right to appeal when courts lack jurisdiction over civil service disputes.
Civil Service Jurisdiction: CSC Authority Over Employee Termination Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Civil Service Commission, not the RTC, has jurisdiction over termination disputes involving civil service employees.
Agrarian Reform Just Compensation: Balancing Landowner Rights and Social Justice
Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Judicial Immunity and the Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in Agrarian Compensation Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners may directly sue for just compensation despite the exhaustion of administrative remedies doctrine.
Balancing Confidentiality and Free Expression: The Limits of Disbarment Publicity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when public statements about disbarment complaints violate the confidentiality rule and when they are protected speech.
When Can the Military Publicly Disclose Disbarment Proceedings? The Roque Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when public disclosure of disbarment proceedings violates the confidentiality rule, balancing free speech with lawyer protections.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Infidelity and Irresponsibility Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, and irresponsibility do not automatically amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Acquittal in Rape Case: The Crucial Role of Force, Threat or Intimidation
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused because the prosecution failed to prove force, threat, or intimidation, a required element of rape.
Breach of Trust vs Burden of Proof: Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on appeal periods clarifies how dismissal cases are reviewed and why procedural rules matter.
When a Trial Court Cannot Deny Your Notice of Appeal: PBCOM v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that only appellate courts may dismiss appeals for being improper remedies, and when a motion for reconsideration is excused.
Production Assessment Fees: Water Districts Must Prove Harm Before Charging Deep Well Users
Water districts can't impose production fees on deep well users without a board finding of financial harm. Here's what the Supreme Court ruled.
Tax on Non-Profit Hospitals: Balancing Charity and Commerce in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that non-profit hospitals like St. Luke's pay 10% tax on income from paying patients, balancing charity and commerce.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Carnapping With Homicide Case Due to Insufficient Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in carnapping with homicide case, ruling that prosecution evidence failed to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.