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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Reconstitution of Land Titles: Why Jurisdictional Compliance Matters
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Republic v. Estrada explains why strict compliance with RA 26 publication and notice requirements is mandatory in land title reconstitution cases.
When a Warrantless Arrest and Search Fail: Lessons from People v. Chua Ho San
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police searched his bag without probable cause, reaffirming constitutional protections.
Justice Delayed IS Justice DenIED: Your Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that prosecutors must resolve complaints promptly; a six-year delay violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Fighting Case Delays: Your Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, even against the Office of the Ombudsman.
Valid Confession in Philippine Law: When Your Words Can Be Used Against You
Learn when a confession is valid and admissible in Philippine courts, and how constitutional rights during custodial investigation protect accused persons.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Supreme Court Rules on Delay and Record Management
The Supreme Court fined a judge for failing to decide cases within the constitutional 90-day period, emphasizing that missing transcripts and transfers are no excuse.
Philippine Security of Tenure: Why Fixed-Term Employment Can't Sidestep Regularization
The Supreme Court strikes down a fixed-term contract scheme that blocked an employee's regularization, reaffirming constitutional security of tenure for Philippine workers.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing practical evidence standards under Republic Act No. 26.
Lost Your Land Title in the Philippines? Understanding Reconstitution and RA 26
Learn how to reconstitute a lost or destroyed land title in the Philippines under RA 26, and what documents courts require.
Impeachment Trials and the Meaning of "Forthwith" Under the Philippine Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings means within a reasonable time, allowing the Senate to prepare before trial.
Election Ban on Presidential Appointments: Safeguarding Judicial Independence in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the constitutional ban on presidential appointments during election periods applies to judicial vacancies, protecting judicial independence.
Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice: Lethal Injection and the Limits of Administrative Rule-Making
The Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional mode of execution but struck down implementing rules that overstepped the law.
Lethal Injection in the Philippines: Balancing Constitutionality and Humane Execution
A look at Echegaray v. Secretary of Justice, where the Supreme Court upheld lethal injection as a constitutional method of execution.
Understanding Anti-Squatting Laws in the Philippines: Due Process and Constitutional Considerations
The Supreme Court explains how anti-squatting laws interact with constitutional due process and housing rights in the Philippines.
Lost Title Reconstitution: Court Jurisdiction and the Original Owner's Duplicate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts lack jurisdiction to issue new owner's duplicate titles when the original is not actually lost.
Safeguarding Due Process: COMELEC's Jurisdiction in Philippine Election Cases
The Supreme Court nullified a COMELEC en banc resolution for violating due process and the constitutional rule that election cases be decided by division.
Combating Court Delays: The Imperative of Speedy Trial in the Philippine Justice System
A judge's fine for delaying a simple case underscores the mandatory continuous trial rule and the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Sequestration Orders in the Philippines: Validity Rules and Timely Legal Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sequestration orders are valid, how PCGG rules apply, and the constitutional deadline for judicial action.
Upholding Judicial Impartiality: Timely Case Resolution and Ethical Conduct Matter
The Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan's lifting of sequestration orders, underscoring strict compliance with PCGG rules and constitutional time limits.
Due Process in Labor Appeals: Why Employers Cannot Be Ignored in NLRC Cases
Philippine National Construction Corp. v. NLRC clarifies that employers have a constitutional right to due process in labor appeals before the NLRC.
Objection Sustained: Mastering Evidence Admissibility and Protecting Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn when to object to evidence in Philippine courts. The Macasiray ruling explains the proper timing of objections and the protection of constitutional rights.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Lost Owner's Duplicate
Supreme Court clarifies when courts may order reconstitution of a lost title based on documents other than the owner's duplicate, applying RA 26.
Admissibility of Confessions: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when confessions are admissible and how constitutional rights against self-incrimination are protected in criminal proceedings.
Missed Deadlines Lost Power Understanding Constitutional Limits on Sequestration in the Philippines
A writ of sequestration must be issued and served within 18 months, and a case filed within 6 months, or the order is automatically lifted.