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.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Disallowed Government Benefits and Good Faith Refund Rules: Zamboanga City Water District v. COA
When do government employees and officers have to refund disallowed benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith rule in this case.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
When Courts Lack Jurisdiction: Unlawful Detainer and the Limits of Mandamus in Local Governance
Understand when a case is unlawful detainer vs. accion publiciana, and why jurisdictional errors void court decisions.
PNRC Sui Generis Status and CSC Jurisdiction: Balancing Autonomy and Public Accountability
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the CSC has appellate jurisdiction over PNRC employees despite the Red Cross's sui generis status.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Intent, Witness Credibility, and the Weight of Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction for a shooting qualified by treachery, clarifying witness credibility and the defense of alibi.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court explains why strict chain of custody rules matter in drug cases, and how lapses can affect convictions.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for Conviction
How the Supreme Court applied the chain of custody rule in People v. Miranda y Beltran to uphold a drug conviction.
Protecting Subdivision Open Spaces: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mortgage Validity
Supreme Court rules subdivision open spaces cannot be mortgaged or foreclosed, and HLURB has jurisdiction over such disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Integrity of Evidence Matters
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, stressing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Finality vs Due Process: Resolving Conflicting Rulings on Employment Status
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when NLRC monetary awards become final, and why a valid dismissal still requires procedural due process.
Custody Rights in Muslim Divorce: Balancing Shari’a Law and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and due process in custody disputes arising from Muslim divorce under P.D. 1083.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Mortgage Validity: Restrictions on Property Rights vs Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court rules on whether NHA restrictions on a titled property invalidate a mortgage, and when borrowers can escape contractual obligations.
Motion for Extension of Time: Balancing Strict Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts should relax procedural rules on formal offer of evidence to serve substantial justice.
Annulment of Judgment: When a Final Court Decision Cannot Be Undone
The Supreme Court explains the strict limits of annulment of judgment, including what counts as extrinsic fraud and why counsel's negligence is not enough.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Fixing in Homicide: Ladines v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition rules and damages in homicide, affirming conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Navigating Factual Disputes: The Supreme Court's Stance on Appellate Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings and correct arbitrary penalties in homicide convictions.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Proving Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases: The Supreme Court's Latest Word
The Supreme Court affirms that quasi-delict claims require proof of negligence, proximate cause, and damage, rejecting a Rule 45 factual review.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credible Testimony AND Consensual Intercourse Claim Rejected
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of Land Sales Without DAR Clearance
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over annulment of land sales and title cancellation in agrarian reform cases.
Why Deadlines Matter in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Falsification Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural deadlines are crucial in Philippine criminal appeals and how courts review convictions.
Breach of Trust: How Familial Rape Impacts Justice in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, rejecting sweetheart defense and clarifying force requirement.