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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Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Suspended For Harassment And Misrepresentation
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for harassing opposing counsel, misrepresenting facts, and attributing unsupported motives to a judge.
Due Process Rights and Fair Notice in Administrative Cases: The Iglesias Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative due process requires fair notice of charges, but valid original allegations can still support dismissal.
Establishing Paternity in Support Cases: Protecting Children's Rights to Filiation and Support
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mothers may file support cases directly, with paternity issues resolved within the same proceedings.
Kidnapping for Ransom: When Illegal Detention Meets Extortion
The Supreme Court explains when detention becomes kidnapping for ransom and how continued demands for payment support a separate robbery charge.
Promissory Notes Enforceability and the Limits of Contractual Interpretation
Supreme Court clarifies that a creditor must prove the exact deficiency amount with supporting evidence, not just present a bare statement of account.
Dying Declarations as Evidence: When a Wife's Statement Leads to a Parricide Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when a dying declaration is admissible evidence and how it can support a parricide conviction.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Is Enough for Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules still supports a drug conviction.
Confidentiality in Arbitration: Supreme Court Shields Arbitration Statements From Slander Claims
The Supreme Court rules that witness statements and testimony in arbitration are confidential and cannot be used to support slander complaints.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: What People v. Casani Means for Drug Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, explaining how an unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu supports a buy-bust case.
Advisory Bodies in Philippine Automated Elections: Chong v. Senate
The Supreme Court upheld the Advisory Council and Technical Evaluation Committee in automated elections, ruling they support rather than diminish the COMELEC's powers.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When "Other Documents" Suffice Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when "other documents" may support reconstitution of lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Reconstitution of Title Requires Authentic Decree, Not Mere LRA Certification
Supreme Court clarifies that reconstitution of lost titles needs authentic sources; a decree unavailable in LRA records cannot support it.
Presumption of Regularity in Drug Possession Cases and the Effect of an Accused's Death on Appeal
The Supreme Court explains how the presumption of regularity supports drug convictions, and why an accused's death pending appeal can moot a case.
Child's Testimony in Statutory Rape and Qualified Rape: Lessons from People v. Delfin
When the prosecution cannot prove a child's age, statutory rape fails — but force and intimidation may still support a simple rape conviction.
Spousal Support and Retirement Benefits: Protection Orders Under R.A. 9262
The Supreme Court rules that R.A. 9262 protection orders can compel the AFP to withhold retirement benefits for spousal support.
Certification vs Receipts: Reimbursing Expenses in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that certifications alone cannot support EME reimbursement claims in GOCCs under COA Circular No. 2006-01.
Public Service Accountability and the Need to Substantiate Dishonesty Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that while public officials may be disciplined for private acts of dishonesty, charges must be supported by substantial evidence.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Why Substantiated Claims Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies when private acts of dishonesty can be disciplined and why complaints must be supported by evidence.
Establishing Paternity Overcoming Denials AND Securing Child Support
Support Pendente Lite: Defining Indispensable Needs in Marital Separation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what expenses count as support pendente lite and which deductions are allowed in marital separation cases.
Support Pendente Lite Orders Are Interlocutory: When Can They Be Appealed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that support pendente lite orders are interlocutory and not appealable, explaining the proper remedy under Rule 65.
Establishing Filiation: Clear and Convincing Evidence Required for Support Orders in the Philippines
Philippine courts require clear and convincing evidence to establish filiation for child support. Learn the legal standards and practical implications.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims: Ison v. Crewserve
SC rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment prevails over belated, unsupported certifications from seafarer's own doctors in disability claims.