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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Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Clerk's Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court dismissed a Shari'a District Court clerk of court for dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Mismanagement OF Court Funds
PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Power: Who Decides on Water Governance
Supreme Court ruling on who appoints water district boards when cities fail the 75% threshold, balancing local autonomy against centralized control.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Control: Who Appoints Metro Cebu Water District Directors
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Cebu City Mayor or the Provincial Governor appoints MCWD board members under P.D. 198.
Good Faith Defense vs. Falsification and Malversation of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies when blind obedience to unlawful orders defeats good faith in falsification and malversation cases.
Upholding Government Discretion in Public Bidding: The Mactan Cebu Airport Case
The Supreme Court affirms that courts cannot override the government's discretion in public bidding, absent grave abuse of discretion.
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.
Invalid Execution Sales: The Imperative of Proper Levy on Properties in the Philippines
A lawful levy is a prerequisite to a valid execution sale. Learn the rules from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Accountability Under the Law: Determining Guilt in Kidnapping for Ransom With Homicide
How Philippine courts convict accused persons of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, explained through a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Limits ON Lawyers Language Upholding Civility IN Legal Practice
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Due Process and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporate Officer Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor judgments and why due process matters.
Prescription and Implied Trusts in Reconveyance: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions for reconveyance based on implied trusts prescribe, and how defects in notarization affect land titles.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Masked Intent Identifying Perpetrators In Robbery With Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts convict masked robbers through familiarity with build, voice, and mannerism, not just facial identification.
When Postponements Don't Imply Misconduct: A Lesson in Ethical Practice
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's requests for postponement do not constitute professional misconduct, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of malice.
The Limits of Appellate Courts Introducing New Evidence on Appeal in Philippine Law
Philippine appellate courts generally cannot receive new evidence on appeal; review is limited to the trial record. This article explains the rule.
Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case
Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.
Accountability Under Conspiracy When Kidnapping Results in Death: All Involved Face the Homicide Charge
When kidnappers act together and the victim dies, conspiracy makes every participant equally liable for the special complex crime.
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.
Union Dues and Agency Fees: When Can Labor Unions Validly Increase Them?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the documentary requirements for valid union dues and agency fee increases under the Labor Code.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.