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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Administrative Due Process and Bank Secrecy: The Sibayan v. Alda Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how administrative due process and bank secrecy limits discovery in BSP proceedings, as shown in Sibayan v. Alda.
Judicial Misconduct and Loss of Retirement Benefits: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge who assaulted a neighbor lost all retirement benefits. The Supreme Court explains why judicial temperament matters.
Self-Defense Claims and the Limits of Justification: The Panerio Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and why multiple wounds negate it, reducing murder to homicide.
Finality of Judgments: Why Procedural Rules Matter in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper service of a motion for reconsideration can make a judgment final and executory, barring recovery.
Finality of Judgments: Why Procedural Rules on Service of Motions Cannot Be Ignored
A bank's appeal was dismissed for defective service of its motion for reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter.
Untimely Filing: The High Cost of Ignoring Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
A bank's appeal was dismissed because its motion for reconsideration was served by private courier without proper proof. Learn the procedural rules.
Supreme Court on Self-Defense and Treachery in Homicide Cases
The High Court clarifies when self-defense fails and why treachery cannot be presumed in killings.
Corporate Dissolution Directors As Trustees and Guarantor Liability After Corporate Revocation
Explains Reyes v. Bancom: corporate revocation doesn't abate suits, directors act as trustees, and guarantors remain liable.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Sale Convictions 2
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Key Lessons from a Philippine Homicide Case
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the crucial element of unlawful aggression.
Child Witness with Cerebral Palsy: Competency in Rape and Homicide Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court ruled that a child with cerebral palsy can be a competent witness in rape and homicide cases.
Unregistered Business High Court Affirms Illegal Dismissal For Sham Redundancy Scheme
Supreme Court rules a company's unregistered Philippine office cannot use a sham redundancy scheme to illegally dismiss an employee.
Double Jeopardy and Finality of Acquittal: The Limits of Judicial Recall
A trial court cannot recall a judgment of acquittal to correct an error, even a serious one, without violating the constitutional right against double jeopardy.
Transnational Marital Infidelity and Psychological Violence: Jurisdiction Under R.A. 9262
Philippine courts can hear psychological violence cases under R.A. 9262 even if the illicit affair abroad caused the wife's anguish at home.
Child Witness With Cerebral Palsy: Competency and the Pursuit of Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that a child with cerebral palsy can be a competent witness, provided she can perceive and communicate her perceptions.
Libel LAW Prioritizing Fines Over Imprisonment AND Just Compensation FOR Damages
Just Compensation and Legal Interest in Expropriation: What Property Owners Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interest rates on unpaid just compensation in expropriation cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Corporate Liability vs Individual Responsibility: Clarifying Boundaries in Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when a bank-assignee of receivables becomes liable to condominium buyers, distinguishing joint from solidary liability.
Subsidiary Imprisonment: When Can a Fine Turn Into Jail Time
Learn when Philippine courts can impose subsidiary imprisonment for unpaid fines, and why the penalty must be stated in the judgment.
Land Registration Proving Ownership for Public Land Acquisition
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register public land, and the limits on corporations acquiring such land.
Disobeying Court Orders: Consequences for Lawyers in the Philippines
A lawyer who uses dilatory tactics to delay execution of a final judgment faces suspension. Learn from Atty. Mallari's case.
Safeguarding Children: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse and Rape in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that rape under the Revised Penal Code and sexual abuse under RA 7610 are separate crimes, and a single act can give rise to both offenses without violating double jeopardy
Seafarers Disability Claims: When the Company Physician's Assessment Prevails
Learn when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification prevails over a seafarer's own doctor in disability claims under the POEA-SEC.
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.