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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Anonymous Complaints Against Judges: Evidence Rules and Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when anonymous complaints against judges may prosper and how due process protects judges in administrative proceedings.
Dual Office Holding: Constitutional Limits on Executive Appointments
Supreme Court rules Cabinet members cannot hold concurrent offices, even temporarily, under Section 13, Article VII of the Constitution.
Due Process vs Valid Dismissal: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites for valid retrenchment, distinguishing authorized causes from procedural due process in termination cases.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process in employee termination, balancing employer rights with constitutional protection of workers.
Creditable Government Service: When Consultancy Work Counts for Justice Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on crediting consultancy work as government service for retirement benefits of justices under RA 9946.
Judge Dinopol Case: Due Process and Judicial Immunity in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court found Judge Oscar Dinopol guilty of gross ignorance of the law for issuing arrest orders without notice and hearing, but shielded him from civil damages.
Perfecting Repurchase Agreements: The Necessity of Unqualified Acceptance in Real Estate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a qualified acceptance of a repurchase offer is merely a counter-offer, not a perfected contract.
Second Chances: Reinstating Disbarred Attorneys Through Judicial Clemency in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court reinstated a disbarred lawyer through judicial clemency, and the guidelines for seeking a second chance.
Admonishing Delay in Executing Final Judgments: A Lesson for Judges
Sandiganbayan justices admonished for delaying execution of a final conviction, highlighting the ministerial duty to implement judgments promptly.
Parental Incest and Rape Law in the Philippines: The Buado Case
How Philippine courts handle incestuous rape by a parent, the proof of minority required, and the effect of the death penalty abolition.
Disqualification of Candidates: COMELEC’s Authority and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC’s disqualification of a candidate, ruling the en banc acted without jurisdiction and violated due process.
Safeguarding Due Process: Annulment of Judgment for Excess Interest Rates
A default judgment granting 5% monthly interest when only 12% per annum was prayed for violates due process and may be annulled.
Dereliction OF Duty Upholding Efficiency IN Court Processes
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Proof Requirements Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost owner's duplicate title can be reconstituted, and what evidence suffices under Republic Act No. 26.
Vehicular Manslaughter and the Limits of Self-Defense: Analyzing Criminal Intent in Complex Crimes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts weigh criminal intent, self-defense claims, and qualifying circumstances in complex crimes.
Judicial Efficiency: The Consequences of Delay in Rendering Decisions
When an appeal is dismissed for a late brief, is that the end? The Supreme Court weighs strict procedural rules against substantive justice in CMTC v. Bhagis.
Upholding Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence
A 2012 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that substantial compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 suffices when the drug evidence's integrity remains intact.
Rehabilitation vs Secured Interests: Balancing Creditor Rights in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how corporate rehabilitation balances secured creditors' rights with the need for equal treatment and recovery.
Upholding DUE Process Effectivity OF Counsel Withdrawal AND THE Implications ON Timely Appeals
Default Judgment: The Consequences of Neglecting Legal Deadlines in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling shows how missing a pre-trial conference can lead to default judgment and why courts enforce deadlines strictly.
Trademark Confusion: Visual and Aural Differences Determine Similarity in Shark Logos
Philippine Supreme Court rules on trademark confusion, comparing shark logos under the Dominancy and Holistic tests in Great White Shark v. Caralde.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Undue Delay in Resolving Cases
A judge's failure to resolve a motion within 90 days is gross inefficiency. The Supreme Court explains the consequences.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Reopen Litigation to Protect Due Process
When counsel's gross negligence denies a client his day in court, the litigation may be reopened to protect due process.
Due Process in Homeowners Association Expulsions: Lessons from Arroyo v. Rosal Homeowners Association
Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements for homeowners association expulsion and eviction under the Community Mortgage Program.