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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Certiorari as Remedy for Questioning Acquittal Based on Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may question an acquittal and why errors of judgment remain barred by double jeopardy.
Water Districts as GOCCs: Reaffirming Government Control and Audit Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirms that water districts are government-owned or controlled corporations with special charters, settling tax and audit questions.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Alibi Defense: Scrutinizing Identification in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on eyewitness identification, alibi defense, and the burden of proof in murder prosecutions.
Public Officials' Duty to Disclose Assets: Transparency Upholds Public Trust
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a BIR official for failing to declare luxury vehicles in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.
Administrative Complaints Dismissed for Lack of Evidence: Gabriel v. Ramos
In Gabriel v. Ramos, the Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint for grave misconduct after the complainant failed to prove the charges against a court sheriff.
Due Process in Labor Disputes: Reevaluation vs. Full Hearing Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies that due process in labor disputes requires opportunity to be heard, not a full hearing, in reevaluation cases.
Drug Sale Conviction Reversed: How the Chain of Custody Rule Protects the Accused
In People v. Nasara, the Supreme Court acquitted a drug-sale defendant after police failed to follow the chain of custody requirements under R.A. 9165.
Credit Card Approvals: When Delay Is Not Legal Default
Supreme Court explains when a credit card issuer's delay in approving purchases constitutes legal default and liability for damages.
Preliminary Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: When Immediate Execution Yields to Equity
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may issue preliminary injunctions to stay execution of ejectment judgments despite their immediate executory nature.
Rape and the Qualifying Circumstance of Relationship: Proper Allegation for Death Penalty
In People v. Aguilar, the Supreme Court lowered a death sentence to reclusion perpetua because the alleged relationship differed from the one proven.
Cityhood Laws and the Constitutional Criteria for Creating Philippine Cities
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement that city creation follow Local Government Code criteria.
Friar Lands and Faulty Signatures: When Government Neglect Jeopardizes Land Ownership
The Supreme Court's Manotok ruling shows how documentary gaps in friar land sales can undermine even long-standing property claims.
The Delicate Balance: Upholding Collegiality in the Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court's ruling on the cityhood laws underscores the importance of collegiality and adherence to procedural rules in the Sandiganbayan.
Sandiganbayan Collegiality: Lessons from the Administrative Case Against Justices Ong, Hernandez, and Ponferra
The Supreme Court clarifies that Sandiganbayan divisions must sit as a collegial body, with all three justices present during trial proceedings.
Grave Abuse of Discretion Standard in Sandiganbayan Certiorari Petitions
Explore how the Supreme Court defined grave abuse of discretion in certiorari petitions against the Sandiganbayan, citing the Barrera market stall case.
Summary Judgment and Pleadings: What Lazaro v. Brewmaster Teaches About Cause of Action
Understand how the Supreme Court in Lazaro v. Brewmaster clarified summary judgment, pleadings, and cause of action under Philippine procedure.
Conspiracy and Intent in Attempted Homicide: Establishing Criminal Collaboration
The Supreme Court clarifies how conspiracy and intent to kill are proven in attempted homicide cases, using the Cabildo ruling.
Forfeiture of Downpayment: When a Buyer's Stop Payment Is Justified
Supreme Court ruling on when sellers cannot forfeit a buyer's downpayment due to adverse claims on property title.
Guaranty Obligations DBP's Liability Despite Supplier Change
Supreme Court rules on guaranty liability when supplier changes, implied approval, and burden of proof in payment claims.
Administrative Due Process: Preliminary Investigation Before Formal Charge Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court voids GSIS administrative charges and suspensions issued without preliminary investigation, and orders back salaries for affected employees.
Just Compensation for Land Acquired Under P.D. 27: Why R.A. 6657 and DAR A.O. 5 Govern the Valuation
When agrarian land taken under P.D. 27 is paid for only later, the Supreme Court says just compensation must follow R.A. 6657 and the DAR A.O. 5 formula.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Proving Rehabilitation and Compliance with Disciplinary Orders
The Supreme Court grants a lawyer's petition for reinstatement after serving successive suspensions, showing the path back to practice.
Dismissal Disputes Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice IN Labor Cases
Explore how the Supreme Court prioritized substantial justice over procedural technicalities in a criminal case, ensuring fairness prevails.
Anib v. Coca-Cola: Technical Rules Yield to Substantial Justice in Labor Cases
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural technicalities should not bar review of labor cases, remanding an illegal dismissal dispute for hearing on the merits.