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.
THE Importance OF Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Ensuring Integrity OF Evidence
Bank Not Subsidiarily Liable for Loan Proceeds Released to Borrower
Supreme Court rules banks are not automatically liable when loan proceeds go to a borrower instead of a third-party seller.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite to Judicial Intervention in Environmental Cases
The Supreme Court rules that parties must exhaust administrative remedies before seeking judicial intervention, even when challenging an agency's power to impose fines.
Upholding LLDA Authority Enforcing Environmental Standards in Laguna de Bay
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's power to impose fines for effluent violations, reinforcing environmental enforcement in Laguna de Bay region.
Diminution of Benefits, Union Authority, and Validity of MOA in Financial Distress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a Memorandum of Agreement reducing employee benefits is valid despite financial distress and union ratification issues.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable for Labor Claims?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for illegal dismissal awards, requiring clear proof of bad faith.
Rape Conviction Requires Specificity Each Count A Separate Crime
Single Act Multiple Crimes Complex Crime of Murder and Attempted Murder Defined
Explaining the complex crime rule when one act kills several and wounds others, citing People v. Barde.
Retail Trade Liberalization: Balancing Economic Growth and Filipino Control
The Supreme Court upheld the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000, ruling that the Constitution does not mandate a Filipino monopoly over the economy.
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.
Resignation Does Not Erase Grave Misconduct: Court Stenographer's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court rules resignation does not absolve court personnel of administrative liability for grave misconduct like soliciting money.
When Presidential Power Meets University Autonomy: The CMU Land Case
The Supreme Court struck down a presidential proclamation taking state university land for IP distribution, affirming academic autonomy and vested property rights.
Judicial Misconduct and Sexual Harassment: Violating the Code of Judicial Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling holds that a judge who sexually assaulted a litigant in his own home is guilty of gross misconduct, even after retirement from the bench.
Mortgaged Property Sales Upholding Ownership Rights Despite Unapproved Transfers
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Death Benefits FOR Seafarers Contract Expiration VS Time OF Demise
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
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.
Conspiracy and Credibility in Philippine Homicide Cases: Key Lessons from Bug-atan v. People
How Philippine courts weigh co-conspirator testimony, conspiracy evidence, and credibility in homicide and murder cases.