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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Right to Confrontation Securing Fair Criminal Trials in the Philippines
Philippine courts must uphold the right to confrontation in criminal trials, ensuring witnesses face the accused and evidence is tested.
Interlocutory Orders: Why Immediate Appeals Can Derail Justice
Philippine Supreme Court explains why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed immediately, preventing delays and multiplicity of appeals in criminal cases.
Acquisitive Prescription vs Torrens Title: Proving Land Registration Claims in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into private ownership and registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Finality of Judgments: Customs Bureau Bound by Interest on Seized Shipments
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments, including interest awards, bind the Bureau of Customs on seized shipments.
Government Instrumentalities and Tax Exemption: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity with corporate powers is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
Defining the Power of Control in Labor Disputes: The Legend Hotel Case
When is a hotel pianist an employee, not an independent talent? The Supreme Court clarifies the control test in illegal dismissal cases.
THE 120 DAY Rule Seafarers Disability Claims AND Premature Lawsuits
Court Employee Dismissed for Misappropriating Cash Evidence in Criminal Cases
A court legal researcher who took P45,000 in cash evidence for alleged court repairs was dismissed for grave misconduct and dishonesty.
Supreme Court Dismisses Corona Impeachment Petition on Mootness Grounds
The Supreme Court dismissed former Chief Justice Corona's petition assailing his impeachment trial, ruling the case became moot upon his conviction.
Court Employee Dismissed for Misusing Cash Evidence: A Lesson in Judicial Integrity
Supreme Court dismisses court employee who took P45,000 cash evidence for repairs, ruling restitution does not erase administrative liability.
Supreme Court Limits Congress to One Seat on the Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules Congress may send only one representative to the JBC, striking down the eight-member composition as unconstitutional.
Judicial Misconduct and Impeachment: When Court Review Becomes Moot
The Supreme Court explains why it dismissed Chief Justice Corona's challenge to his impeachment trial—because the case became moot after conviction.
Judicial Misconduct and Impartiality: Lessons from the Corona Impeachment Case
The Supreme Court's ruling on the Corona impeachment petition clarifies the limits of judicial review over impeachment proceedings and the doctrine of mootness.
Impeachment and Judicial Review: Defining the Limits of Court Intervention
The Supreme Court rules on the JBC's composition, clarifying constitutional limits on congressional representation and judicial review.
Understanding Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: Rules and Consequences
A clear guide to the rules on habitual tardiness in Philippine government service, including the legal basis, penalties, and practical compliance tips.
Retirement Benefits CBA vs Labor Code: Pilot Entitlements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when CBA retirement benefits prevail over Labor Code Article 287, using a PAL pilot's case as guide.
Supreme Court Fines Judge for Undue Delay in Unlawful Detainer Case
Learn when a judge's delay in holding preliminary conference becomes administrative liability, from a 2012 Supreme Court ruling.
Double Compensation and Gratuity Pay: Constitutional Limits for Government Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gratuity pay becomes prohibited double compensation under the Constitution for government employees.
Rehabilitation Denied When Financial Realities Override Corporate Rescue
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate rehabilitation is not available—mere illiquidity qualifies, but irreversible insolvency with speculative plans does not.
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Due Process in Summary Proceedings
A Supreme Court administrative case shows how judges may be fined for undue delay in summary proceedings, while clarifying what does not violate due process.
USAID Certification as Public Document: Admissibility and Proof in Philippine Law
Learn when foreign agency certifications are public documents admissible without authentication, and how courts treat them as prima facie evidence.
Heavy Workload Not Enough to Justify Certiorari Filing Extension
Philippine Supreme Court rules heavy workload alone is not a compelling reason to extend the 60-day period for filing a petition for certiorari under Rule 65.
Undue Delay in Justice: A Judge's Accountability in Expediting Legal Proceedings
When a judge delays a case, justice suffers. The Supreme Court's ruling in Chu v. Capellan explains why judges must act promptly.
Reasonable Doubt When Eyewitness Testimony Falls Short in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court acquits murder accused where lone eyewitness testimony was riddled with improbabilities, casting reasonable doubt on identity.