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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Retroactivity of Procedural Rules When Amended Laws Affect Pending Cases
When procedural rules change mid-case, retroactivity applies. Learn how the Supreme Court resolved this in Siena Realty.
Upholding Procedural Rules: The Jurisdictional Nature of Timely Appeals in Agrarian Disputes
Timely appeals are jurisdictional, not mere technicalities. Zaragoza v. Nobleza shows why late filings in agrarian cases fail.
Dismissal of Election Protests: Diligence and Avoiding Undue Delay in Electoral Disputes
The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an election protest abandoned for months, ruling that election cases must be resolved speedily and that liberal interpretation has limits.
Graft and Corruption in the Philippines: When Court Personnel Exploit Public Office for Private Gain
A Supreme Court ruling on a court interpreter's extortion of a litigant shows how graft and corruption in the Philippines is punished.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Accountability FOR Unauthorized USE OF Government Vehicles
Judges Must Supervise Court Personnel and Ensure Prompt Case Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial responsibility, docket inventory duties, and accountability for court personnel negligence.
Enforceability of Venue Stipulations in Contracts of Adhesion: Piltel v. Tecson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when venue stipulations in contracts of adhesion bind subscribers, citing Piltel v. Tecson.
Settlement Trumps Appeal: The Binding Force of Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, their binding effect, and limits on appeal rights.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction, Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262 and raises penalty when the offense is committed through social media.
Tax Exemption Start Dates for Pioneer Enterprises Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the 6-year local tax holiday for BOI-registered pioneer enterprises begins and NPC's tax liability.
Disqualification of Votes: Ensuring Electoral Integrity Through Proper Comelec Procedures
When can a disqualified candidate's votes be voided? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on disqualification, stray votes, and succession.
Possession and Due Process: Protecting Third-Party Rights in Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court rules an ex-parte writ of possession cannot eject third-party possessors not in privity with the mortgagor.
Church and State: The Limits of Religious Leaders' Political Endorsements in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when religious leaders may endorse candidates and the procedural rules for declaratory relief actions.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Physical Injury in Familial Abuse Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, physical injury not required, and the moral ascendancy doctrine in incest cases.
Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Familial Rape Cases: Scrutinizing Testimonial Evidence
In People v. Layugan, the Supreme Court convicted a father of five counts of rape but struck down the death penalty because the victim's age was not proven.
When A Deadly Brawl Over A Fighting Cock Leads TO Murder Understanding Abuse OF Superior Strength
Incestuous Rape Credibility of Testimony and Establishing the Qualifying Circumstance
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on statutory rape, credibility of a child victim's testimony, and the need to prove qualifying circumstances for the death penalty.
Limits of Contempt Power: Quizon v. Court of Appeals on Judicial Authority and Individual Rights
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Quizon v. Court of Appeals on direct contempt, its limits, and the balance between judicial authority and individual rights.
Quizon v. Court of Appeals: Direct Contempt, Mootness, and the Limits of Certiorari
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Quizon v. Court of Appeals on direct contempt, mootness, and why certiorari was not the proper remedy.
Judicial Ethics: Judges Must Avoid Influencing Cases Pending in Other Courts
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that trying to sway the outcome of a case pending in another court violates judicial ethics, even without malice or bad faith.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Gross Immorality and the Price of Private Misconduct
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, clarifying ethical standards for judges and lawyers.
Supreme Court: IPRA Customary Laws Do Not Oust Regular Courts in Mixed-Party Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction under IPRA, upholding final judgments and rejecting belated claims of indigenous status to evade execution.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: When Negligence and Vicarious Responsibility Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, proximate cause, and vicarious liability in a vehicular accident quasi-delict case.
Graft and Grave Misconduct: Court Officer Dismissed for Fixing a Court Decision
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for extorting money to fix a court decision, affirming strict integrity standards for court personnel.