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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Double Jeopardy and Provisional Dismissal: When Cases Can Be Reopened With Accused Consent
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived without violating double jeopardy, and why accused consent matters.
Provisional Dismissal in Drug Cases: When Can the State Revive a Case?
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed drug case may be revived without violating double jeopardy, and who may file the revival motion.
Second Marriages and SSS Benefits: Proving Legal Spousal Status for Social Security Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that only a legal spouse qualifies for SSS death benefits, even if the member designated a second wife as beneficiary.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Total and Permanent Disability in Maritime Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's partial disability becomes total and permanent under the POEA-SEC and Labor Code.
Breach of Duty and Dishonesty: Dismissal of a Court Clerk for Misappropriating Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismissed a Clerk of Court for gross neglect of duty, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: The Duty of Candor in Court Investigations
The Supreme Court dismissed a clerk of court for gross neglect, grave misconduct, and serious dishonesty over unremitted judiciary funds.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Free Speech on Wheels: When Campaigning Rights Meet Public Utility Regulations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down COMELEC's ban on campaign materials in PUVs and terminals, affirming free speech rights of owners.
Probable Cause and Estafa: Balancing Judicial Discretion and Individual Rights in Criminal Arrests
Learn how the Supreme Court balances probable cause requirements and individual rights in estafa cases, from arrest to attachment.
Loss of Earning Capacity: The Necessity of Competent Proof in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of earning capacity in criminal cases requires competent proof, not self-serving testimony.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Cash Deposit or Counter Bond: The Only Ways to Discharge an Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only cash deposits or counter-bonds can discharge a writ of attachment—not real property.
When Can a Bank Deposit Real Property Instead of Cash to Lift an Attachment?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that under Rule 57, only cash deposit or counter-bond can lift a writ of attachment.
Enforceability of Compromise Agreements: A Pathway to Resolving Legal Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court approves compromise agreement in insurance dispute, showing how amicable settlements end litigation and become binding judgments.
Habeas Corpus Remedy for Illegal Detention Due to Mistaken Identity
When police detain the wrong person, habeas corpus is the proper remedy. The Supreme Court explains why in this 2015 ruling.
Breach of Trust: Defining Qualified Theft in Philippine Employment Relationships
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, and explains the penalty rules.
Avoiding Forum Shopping in Philippine Construction Disputes: Key Lessons from Dynamic Builders
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Dynamic Builders clarifies forum shopping rules and injunctive relief in Philippine construction disputes.
Transparency in Election Surveys: Balancing Free Speech and Fair Elections
The Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to require disclosure of election survey funders, including subscribers, under the Fair Election Act.
Supreme Court Upholds JBC’s Power to Set Qualifications for Judges
The Supreme Court affirms the JBC’s authority to impose a five-year service requirement for judges seeking promotion to higher courts.
Decoding Loan Payments: How Courts Apply Payments to Interest vs Principal in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how loan payments are applied to interest before principal, and when chattel mortgages cover future loans.
Amending Complaints Upholding Justice AND Preventing Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on consolidating reivindicatory and cancellation of title actions to avoid conflicting decisions and delay.
Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Damages in Roque v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and awards temperate damages when receipts are missing.
Reconveyance Claims: Proving Ownership by Clear and Convincing Evidence
A look at Ibot v. Heirs of Tayco, where the Supreme Court clarified the burden of proof in reconveyance actions and the limits of Torrens title challenges.
Negligence and Vicarious Liability in Road Accidents: Insights from G.R. No. 279772
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking on a road shoulder constitutes negligence, holding both driver and employer solidarily liable for damages.