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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Disbarment Over Falsified Documents and Age Misrepresentation: Key Lessons
Supreme Court clarifies when falsification and age misrepresentation can ground disbarment, and who investigates public lawyers' qualifications.
Disbarment Case Dismissed: Falsification Must Be Proven in Proper Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that disbarment is not the proper venue to prove falsification or forgery charges against lawyers.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to revive his case fails; the Supreme Court enforces finality and cites indirect contempt.
ERC v. Meralco: Only the Supreme Court Can Enjoin EPIRA Implementation
The Supreme Court rules that only it can enjoin EPIRA implementation, clarifying limits on RTC injunctive power over energy regulations.
Challenging Real Property Tax Ordinances: The Iloilo Case and the Rule on Exhaustion of Remedies
The Supreme Court dismissed a direct challenge to Iloilo City's real property tax ordinance, reaffirming that taxpayers must first exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
When Courts Can't Enjoin EPIRA: Limits of Judicial Authority on Injunctions
Supreme Court rules RTCs cannot enjoin EPIRA implementation—only the High Court may issue such injunctions, even in declaratory relief cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Contextual Testimony Enough to Prove Carnal Knowledge
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a victim's contextual testimony can sufficiently establish carnal knowledge even without explicit anatomical detail.
Surety Agreements and Conditions Precedent: What the Supreme Court Said in RCBC v. Bernardino
The Supreme Court clarifies when surety agreements are enforceable and how conditions precedent are proven, in RCBC v. Bernardino.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Appealing MARINA Decisions to the Office of the President
When must MARINA decisions be appealed to the Office of the President before going to court? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Correspondent Banks' Right to Reimbursement in Dishonored Letters of Credit
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on correspondent banks' right to reimbursement when letters of credit are dishonored, explained in plain language.
Dismissal and Forum Shopping: The Perils of Duplicative Litigation
Supreme Court clarifies exhaustion of administrative remedies and forum shopping in MARINA cases, with practical guidance for litigants.
Project vs Regular Employment: Understanding Security of Tenure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when project employees become regular workers and how security of tenure applies in Philippine construction labor law.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence 6
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Robbery With Homicide Despite Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits accused in robbery with homicide case, ruling circumstantial evidence and mere possession of a phone cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Forum Shopping AND Dismissal Safeguarding Judicial Efficiency IN Employment Disputes
Good Faith in Construction: Builders' Rights and Landowners' Remedies Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when builders are in good faith and the rights of landowners over improvements built on their property.
Negligence in Public Service: Duty, Accountability, and the Manalo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public employee's failure to verify documents amounts to grave misconduct, not simple negligence.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Res Judicata in Estate Proceedings: Teng v. Ting on Re-Litigating Ownership
The Supreme Court in Teng v. Ting bars re-litigating ownership in estate cases once a prior final judgment has settled the issue.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client Funds and Double-Dealing in Property Sale
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who converted client's loan proceeds, neglected title transfer duties, and represented conflicting interests.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Falsifying Court Documents in the Philippines
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misappropriated client funds and engaged in double-dealing, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Unreasonable Search Exclusionary Rule AND Witness Requirements IN Drug Cases
Protecting Children Upholding Stiffer Penalties for Child Abuse Under R.A. 7610
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for child abuse under R.A. 7610, clarifying that physical abuse of a child is penalized more heavily than ordinary physical injuries.
Unreasonable Search Evidence Inadmissible When Legal Occupant Prevented From Witnessing Search
Search warrant execution requires lawful occupant presence; preventing them from witnessing search renders evidence inadmissible.