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.
Supreme Court Disciplines Judge for Extramarital Affair: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension
SC dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality in Landmark Administrative Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
Forced Resignation Is Illegal Dismissal: Casa Cebuana v. Leuterio
Forcing an employee to resign without due process is illegal dismissal. Learn the two-notice rule from Casa Cebuana v. Leuterio.
Hlurb Jurisdiction VS Criminal Prosecution Protecting Subdivision Buyers
Meralco's Disconnection Rights: Balancing Power Supply and Due Process
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on when a power utility's right to disconnect for pilferage must yield to a consumer's right to due process.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Why Police Procedure Matters: Acquittal in Drug Cases and the Weight of Evidence
A buy-bust operation's failure to follow Section 21 of RA 9165 led to an acquittal. Learn the rules on evidence integrity.
The Unwavering Testimony Convicting Accused in Robbery With Rape Cases Based on Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, explaining why her word alone can convict an accused.
Credibility of Rape Victim’s Testimony: Key Lessons from Arcosiba v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, stressing that a minor victim’s clear and consistent testimony prevails over the accused’s denial and alibi.
Ensuring Justice HOW Eyewitness Testimony AND Forensic Evidence Determine Guilt IN Murder Cases
Foreclosure Surplus: Mortgagor's Right to Excess Proceeds After Debt Recomputation
When a foreclosure sale yields more than the actual debt, the mortgagor is entitled to the surplus—with interest.
Attorney Authority and Due Process After a Client's Death: Protecting Heirs' Rights
When a client dies mid-case, counsel's authority and the heirs' right to due process must be protected. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Prior Possession Prevails in Forcible Entry Disputes: The Lopez v. Espinosa Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession, not ownership, determines forcible entry cases, even when the intruder holds title.
Citizenship by Election: Untangling the Complexities of Philippine Nationality Law
A look at how the Supreme Court handled a deportation case hinging on a father's belated election of Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution.
Land Title Registration Proving Possession Since June 12 1945 FOR Imperfect Titles
When May a Court Excuse a Late Pre-Trial Brief? BPI v. Dando
The Supreme Court relaxed a mandatory procedural rule to let a bank pursue its collection suit, showing when courts may excuse a late pre-trial brief.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Employer Duties and Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Warrantless Arrests When POT Sessions Justify Immediate Police Action IN THE Philippines
When can police act without a warrant? Philippine law and jurisprudence define the limits of warrantless arrests.
Doubt IN Identification Reversal OF Murder Conviction Based ON Unexplained Witness Delay
Combating Fraudulent Land Titles: Supreme Court Upholds Property Rights Against Forgery
A 2009 Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts handle forged land titles, apparent authority, and lis pendens in property disputes.
Finality of Judgment: The Immutability Principle and Its Exceptions in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a final judgment cannot be altered, even if erroneous, and what this means for litigants.
Final and Executory Judgment Binds Corporate Officer Despite Erroneous Finding
A final and executory judgment, even if legally erroneous, can no longer be modified — and may bind a corporate officer held solidarily liable with the corporation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict rule on preserving evidence integrity.