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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Transparency in Elections: The Right to Review Source Codes for Automated Election Systems
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC must make AES source codes available for independent review under R.A. 9369.
Irrevocable Donations: When a “Donation Mortis Causa” Is Really Inter Vivos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an irrevocable donation labeled "mortis causa" is actually a donation inter vivos, with practical legal implications.
Counsel's Negligence and Missed Appeal Deadlines: When Excuses Fail in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence excuses a missed appeal deadline, and when clients remain bound by counsel's mistakes.
Judicial Inhibition: Proving Bias Through Concrete Evidence, Not Mere Suspicion
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit from cases, requiring concrete evidence of bias beyond mere suspicion or spousal relationships.
Arraignment Delay Denied: Why Speedy Trial Rights Trump Second Motions for Reconsideration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a second motion for reconsideration may be denied to protect the accused's right to speedy trial.
Bank Cashier's Liability for Negligence in Approving Fraudulent Deposits
Supreme Court ruling on a government bank cashier's grave misconduct for approving fraudulent second-endorsed check deposits to a personal account.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Surgeon Liability for Anesthesiologist Negligence
When can a surgeon be held liable for an anesthesiologist's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Bontilao v. Gerona clarifies the limits of res ipsa loquitur and the captain-of-the-ship doctrine
Defining the Boundaries of Attempted Rape: Intent vs. Action in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lewd acts cross the line from acts of lasciviousness to attempted rape, examining intent and overt acts.
Challenging Drug Convictions: Evidence and Chain of Custody in Buy-Bust Operations
How the Supreme Court assessed evidence and chain of custody in a drug buy-bust case, and what it means for criminal defenses.
Reinstatement Rights of Police Officers After Acquittal: The Roaquin Case
When can a discharged police officer demand reinstatement and back pay after acquittal? The Supreme Court explains in Calinisan v. Roaquin.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Local Officials Violating the Auditing Code
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over local officials below Salary Grade 27 charged with Auditing Code violations.
When Death of the Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto under the Revised Penal Code.
Bail and Burden of Proof: When Courts Can Grant Bail in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies bail in murder cases: burden of proof, evidentiary standards, and when courts may grant bail.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Courts Hold Subsidiaries Liable
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate fiction and hold a subsidiary liable for a parent company's obligations.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Establishing Alter Ego Liability in Philippine Law
When can a court disregard separate corporate personality and hold a subsidiary liable for its parent's debts? The Supreme Court explains.
Enforcing Surety Bonds in Construction: Timeliness and CIAC Jurisdiction Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction over surety bonds and what counts as a timely claim in construction disputes.
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Reclusion Perpetua and the Element of Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, the weak defense of alibi, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole.
Challenging Drug Convictions: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Illegal Possession Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, and what this means for illegal possession cases.
Pollution Adjudication Board Primary Jurisdiction Over Fishermen's Damages Claims vs Industrial Operations
Supreme Court ruling on PAB primary jurisdiction over pollution-related damages claims, balancing fishermen's livelihood rights and industrial operations.
Upholding Workers Rights Timely Appeals AND Constructive Dismissal IN Labor Disputes
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on prescriptive periods for illegal dismissal and money claims in PLDT v. Pingol.
Protecting Employee Retirement Funds Invalidating Reversion of Assets to Cover Corporate Debt
The Supreme Court ruled that a provident fund cannot be used to pay the employer's debts, protecting employees' retirement benefits.
Untimely Appeal, Solidary Liability in Joint Ventures, and the Cost of Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on the perils of an untimely appeal, solidary liability in joint ventures, and the high cost of procedural lapses in the Philippines.
Civil Service Eligibility and the Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
Buying a civil service eligibility is dishonesty punishable by dismissal. Learn the rules and consequences from a Supreme Court case.