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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Due Process in Labor Arbitration: The Unicraft Industries Case on Fair Hearings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on due process rights in voluntary arbitration, emphasizing the importance of fair hearings and the binding effect of party stipulations in labor disputes.
Kabit System and the Right to Sue: The True Owner's Standing Despite an Illegal Arrangement
When can a jeepney buyer under the kabit system sue for damages? The Supreme Court explains the real-party-in-interest rule and its limits.
Due Diligence in Real Estate Mortgages: A Lender's Responsibility
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why mortgage lenders must verify borrower identity and property status before approving real estate loans.
Clerk of Court Fined for Delayed Fund Remittance Despite Full Restitution
Supreme Court holds clerk of court administratively liable for delayed remittance of judiciary funds, imposing fine despite full restitution after retirement.
Written Authority is Key: Upholding Property Rights in Corporate Transactions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why written consent matters in property deals involving mortgaged assets—and what parties must prove to claim possession.
COA Oversight and Private Auditors in Government Banks: The DBP Case
Supreme Court rules COA audit power over government banks is not exclusive; private external auditors may conduct concurrent audits.
Accountability Despite Absence: Conspiracy and Homicide Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling shows how conspiracy can be inferred from concerted acts, making each participant liable for homicide even if only one is arrested.
Court Personnel Conduct: When Misconduct Warrants Suspension Even Without Criminal Charges
Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of court employees for misconduct, dishonesty, and conduct unbecoming a public officer.
Judicial Accountability Balancing Independence AND Diligence IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 60-day period for filing certiorari is counted from receipt of the denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Safeguarding Confessions: Independent Counsel and Admissibility in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial confessions are inadmissible for lack of competent and independent counsel during custodial investigation.
Moral Ascendancy and Intrafamilial Rape: Examining the Boundaries of Consent
A look at how the Supreme Court treats rape by a trusted neighbor and the limits of consent in close relationships.
Positive Identification Over Alibi When Eyewitness Testimony Prevails
Supreme Court explains when a lone eyewitness's positive identification outweighs denial and alibi in criminal cases.
When a Quarrel Precedes an Attack, Treachery May Not Qualify a Killing as Murder
A prior heated argument can negate treachery, reducing a murder conviction to homicide. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Unlawful Searches Protecting Vehicle Privacy IN THE Philippines
When can police search a vehicle without a warrant? The Supreme Court explains probable cause, plain view, and consent rules.
Judicial Overreach: Contempt Power and Due Process Rights in Guillen v. Cañon
When can a judge cite someone for contempt? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial authority and due process in Guillen v. Cañon.
Diminished Liability When Actions Constitute Homicide Rather Than Murder
When does a killing become homicide, not murder? The Supreme Court explains the limits of treachery in People v. Salva.
Voluntary Surrender as a Mitigating Factor: Reassessing Criminal Liability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability and why treachery must be proven, not presumed.
When Words Wound: Understanding Simple Slander Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of simple slander in Baula v. People, and explains when spoken words cross the line into criminal defamation.
Gross Immorality by Judges: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension From Law Practice
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Contractual Obligations: Estoppel Bars Challenge to Futures Trading Agreement
In Jefferson Lim v. Queensland Tokyo Commodities, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that a party who enjoys the benefits of a contract cannot later question its validity.
Estoppel Bars Investor from Questioning Contract After Enjoying Its Benefits
Supreme Court ruling on estoppel: an investor cannot question a trading agreement's validity after benefiting from it and suffering losses.
Dying Declarations Establishing Consciousness of Impending Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dying declarations and the requirement of consciousness of impending death in criminal cases.
Intent vs Accident: Distinguishing Homicide from Murder and the Role of Treachery
The Supreme Court clarifies when accidental shooting claims fail, how intent to kill is proven, and why treachery must be established beyond doubt.
Slightest Penetration Consummated Rape Defined in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that slightest penetration of the labia consummates rape, even without hymenal laceration or full entry.