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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Dismissal Before Prosecution Rests: Double Jeopardy and Due Process in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court clarifies when a premature dismissal of an anti-graft case bars refiling, and why due process matters more than double jeopardy.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Evidence Procedures Matter in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165.
Rape or Child Abuse? How the Supreme Court Draws the Line Under RA 7610
In People v. Abay, the Supreme Court clarified when sexual abuse of a minor is prosecuted as rape and when it falls under RA 7610.
Failure to Prosecute: When Dismissal Is Too Severe a Sanction
Explaining when courts may relax procedural rules on failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When Repeated Lawsuits Over the Same Land Dispute Are Barred
Philippine Supreme Court explains forum shopping rules and when dismissal for failure to prosecute is too severe a sanction.
Certiorari and Summary Procedure: When Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute Is Too Harsh
A look at when Philippine courts may relax procedural rules on dismissal for failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.
When Courts Can Deny a Prosecutor's Motion to Withdraw Information
Learn when Philippine courts may deny a prosecutor's motion to withdraw a criminal information and why certiorari is barred in summary procedure cases.
Dropping from the Rolls for Unsatisfactory Ratings: Court Stenographer Case
Supreme Court affirms dropping a court stenographer from the rolls for two consecutive unsatisfactory performance ratings, citing public service demands.
Finality vs Jurisdiction: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Understand how Philippine courts resolve property disputes, where finality of judgments and jurisdictional rules intersect, and what this means for litigants.
Who May File Libel Cases: City Prosecutor vs Provincial Prosecutor
Supreme Court rules on which prosecutor has authority to file libel Informations, and why a wrong prosecutor's filing is a fatal jurisdictional defect.
Regular Employment and Security of Tenure: When Suspension and Reinstatement Bar Later Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that condonation of infractions and return to work protect an employee's security of tenure against dismissal.
Bidding Disputes in Government Projects: Why Courts Won't Second-Guess the BAC
A Supreme Court ruling on government procurement bidding disputes, explaining the proper legal remedies and why courts respect the discretion of bidding authorities.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Deliberate Attacks
How Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases and why a single credible eyewitness can secure a conviction.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and Retirement Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
SC ruling on regular employment, illegal dismissal, and retirement rights under Article 302 of the Labor Code.
Forum Shopping and Failure to Prosecute: Lessons from Rural Bank of the Seven Lakes v. Dan
The Supreme Court clarifies the consequences of forum shopping, unverified appeals, and failure to prosecute a case before administrative bodies.
SEC Memorandum Circulars: Publication and Filing Required for Effectivity
Supreme Court rules SEC Memorandum Circular No. 2, Series of 1994 invalid for lack of publication and filing, affecting filing fee assessments.
Equitable Mortgage: When an Absolute Sale Is Really a Loan Security
The Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, and what parties must do to recover property.
Equitable Mortgage vs Sale: How Philippine Law Protects Landowners from Unfair Deals
The Supreme Court ruled that a deed of sale can be treated as an equitable mortgage, protecting landowners from transactions that secretly secure a debt.
Mortgage Validity Securing Loans VS Covering Unsubstantiated Debts
Second Chances in the Judiciary: When Compassion Tempers Dismissal in Reinstatement Cases
The Supreme Court shows compassion can modify final administrative penalties, allowing dismissed judges to claim earned leave benefits.
Shareholder Inspection Rights and the Good Faith Defense Under Section 74
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation may refuse a shareholder's demand to inspect books without facing criminal liability.
Relief From Judgment Negligence Bars Second Chances in Agrarian Disputes
Filing both an appeal and certiorari to question the same order is forum shopping. Learn the rule.
Securing Debts When Penalty Fees Fall Outside Mortgage Coverage
When a real estate mortgage doesn't mention penalty fees, those charges may not be secured by the mortgage. Learn the rule from Spouses Viola v. Equitable PCI Bank.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Unreliable Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Case
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome the constitutional presumption of innocence and prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.