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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Second Placer Doctrine: Disqualification Must Be Final Before Election Day
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a candidate disqualified only after elections cannot be replaced by the second placer; succession rules apply instead.
Ombudsman Decisions and the Limits of Appeal in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman rulings become final and unappealable, and why the Court of Appeals cannot touch a one-month suspension order.
Mayor's Permit Modification vs. Freedom of Assembly: The IBP v. Atienza Ruling
When can a mayor change a rally venue? The Supreme Court explains the limits of permit-modifying discretion under the Public Assembly Act.
Buy-Bust Operations: Consistent Police Testimony Upheld in Drug Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions based on consistent police testimony in buy-bust operations, clarifying evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Buy-Bust Operations: Proving Illegal Drug Sale and Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that buy-bust operations can establish both illegal drug sale and possession, and explains what evidence courts require for conviction.
Judicial Accountability: Charges Dismissed Absent Bad Faith or Undue Delay
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative charges against a CA justice, ruling that bad faith is required for gross ignorance and no undue delay was incurred.
Dismissal of Administrative Charges Against CA Justice for Lack of Bad Faith and Harassment
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against CA Justice Pizarro, ruling charges lacked bad faith and were meant to harass.
Reconstitution of Titles: Strict Compliance and Jurisdictional Requirements in Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions for reconstitution of lost Torrens titles require strict compliance with jurisdictional requirements under RA 26.
Disbarment AND Impeachment Prioritizing Impeachment FOR Constitutional Officers
Dismissal Based ON Misconduct AND Loss OF Confidence AN Employers Right TO Terminate
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Evidence Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits in People v. Suan due to broken chain of custody and unproven drug identity—key lessons for drug case litigation.
Probable Cause and Search Warrants: Safeguarding Property Rights in Seizures
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants, balancing law enforcement with constitutional property rights.
DUE Process IN Dismissal Employers Must Provide Fair Opportunity TO Respond
Confessions TO Media AND THE Complex Crime OF Robbery With Homicide Analyzing Criminal Intent
Command Responsibility and the Writ of Amparo: Clarifying the Scope of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that command responsibility has little bearing in amparo proceedings, which determine accountability, not criminal liability.
Confessions to Media and Circumstantial Evidence in Robbery With Homicide Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when media confessions and circumstantial evidence suffice to convict in robbery with homicide cases.
Vacation Leave and Training Costs: Balancing Employer Discretion and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that employers may schedule vacation leave under a CBA, but cannot pass in-service training costs to security guards. Learn what this means.
Electoral Integrity: COMELEC Division Authority and Ballot Preservation in Election Protests
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC division jurisdiction, ballot integrity, and the proper conduct of election protests.
Filling Sanggunian Vacancies: The Strict Rules on Party Nomination and Membership
Supreme Court clarifies that filling Sanggunian vacancies requires bona fide party membership and nomination from the highest party official.
Appointment in Civil Service: The Indelible Right Despite Administrative Lapses
A valid civil service appointment takes effect immediately and remains effective until disapproved by the CSC—even if submission was delayed.
COMELEC En Banc Acts Without Jurisdiction in Election Appeal: Eriguel v. COMELEC
Supreme Court nullifies COMELEC en banc ruling in mayoralty protest for lack of jurisdiction and failure to ensure ballot integrity.
Philippine Taxation of International Air Carriers: Income Tax for Off-Line Operations
Off-line international air carriers selling tickets in the Philippines are subject to 32% income tax, not the 2.5% gross Philippine billings tax.
Off-Line International Carriers Taxed at 32% on Philippine Income, SC Rules
SC clarifies off-line carriers selling tickets in PH pay 32% income tax, not 2.5% GPB rate; refund claim remanded.
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.