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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Judicial Overreach Limits MCTC Authority in Libel Cases
The Supreme Court reminds judges that only specific courts may conduct preliminary investigations in libel cases under Article 360.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly or Face Administrative Liability
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for dereliction of duty for delayed execution of writ, emphasizing prompt enforcement of judgments.
Robbery With Homicide: Conspiracy and Individual Liability Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied conspiracy rules in robbery with homicide, making all participants liable for the killing.
Court Personnel Decorum: Lessons from Judge v. Process Server Misconduct Case
Supreme Court ruling on gross discourtesy by court personnel, setting standards for decorum and public service conduct.
Judicial Accountability and the Good Faith Defense Against Unjust Judgment Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be held administratively liable for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent malice or bad faith.
The Indispensable Hearing Safeguarding Rights in Bail Petitions
A Supreme Court ruling reminds trial courts that bail in capital offenses requires a full hearing, not just a motion.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
Challenging Drug Busts: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Drug Sales
A Supreme Court ruling on warrantless searches in drug cases and the prosecution's burden to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Evidence Protecting Constitutional Rights Against Unreasonable Searches
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect after warrantless arrest and search lacked probable cause, applying the exclusionary rule.
Binding Agreements Upholding Compromise Judgments Despite Claims of Fraud and Duress
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when compromise judgments remain binding despite allegations of fraud, duress, and lawyer misconduct.
Forum Shopping in Election Protests: Maintaining the Integrity of Judicial Processes
Explore how the Supreme Court addresses forum shopping in election protests, safeguarding judicial integrity and ensuring fair resolution of electoral disputes.
Father's Betrayal: Upholding Conviction for Robbery with Homicide on Credible Eyewitness Testimony
Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction, ruling credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi defenses.
Upholding Arbitration Agreements in Construction Disputes: The LM Power Case
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that courts should liberally construe arbitration clauses, requiring parties to honor their agreement to arbitrate construction disputes.
Taxing Telecommunications: Local Government Power vs. Franchise Exemptions
The Supreme Court ruled that the Local Government Code's withdrawal of tax exemptions prevails over PLDT's franchise exemption claim under R.A. 7925.
Lawyer Suspended for Falsifying Documents and Fraudulent Land Sale
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for forging a special power of attorney to sell clients' land without consent.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Bank Rights Prevail Over Third-Party Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is ministerial, and third-party claimants must use proper remedies.
When Court Appointments Need No Confirmation: The Soriano v. Lista Ruling
Supreme Court explains which military appointments require Commission on Appointments confirmation, and why PCG officer promotions did not.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: What Third-Party Claimants Must Know
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession in foreclosure sales and what third-party claimants must do to protect their rights.
Retroactivity vs Prospectivity: Protecting Vested Rights in Agrarian Reform Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when its ruling on the proper mode of appeal in agrarian cases applies, protecting vested rights.
Lis Pendens When A Money Claim Doesnt Cloud Property Title
A money claim for construction services does not justify a notice of lis pendens on property titles, explains the Supreme Court.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Court Employee Reprimanded FOR Willful Failure TO Pay Debt
Court employee reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debt; ruling clarifies ethical standards for judiciary personnel.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Case and Failing to File Pleading
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for accepting fees but failing to file a client's Complaint-in-Intervention, violating professional ethics rules.
Clarifying Contract Obligations: Rentals vs Purchase Price in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when rental payments form part of the purchase price in property disputes, protecting buyers from altered contract terms.
Breach of Contract: When a Separate Land Title Is a Condition Precedent to Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to deliver a separate land title justifies a buyer's refusal to pay the balance under a contract of sale.