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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Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Navigating Rights and Guilt in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when waivers of rights are invalid and how conspiracy is proven in murder cases.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why Corporate Officers Must Sign
A corporation's certification against forum shopping must be signed by an officer, not counsel. The Supreme Court explains why in Digital Microwave Corp. v. Court of Appeals.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Union Dues and Attorney's Fees: Protecting Employee Rights in Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court clarifies when attorney's fees can be charged to union members and the strict rules on check-off deductions.
Limits on Ombudsman's Power: Court Upholds Anti-Graft Prosecution Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies courts cannot interfere with Ombudsman's prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse, in anti-graft case.
Upholding Employers Right TO Dismiss FOR Fraud THE Philippine Airlines Case
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Philippine Airlines v. NLRC explains the standard.
When Courts Overstep Authority in Preliminary Investigations: Domondon v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may interfere with the Ombudsman's prosecutory discretion, and when judicial overreach becomes grave abuse.
Treachery and Criminal Intent: How Philippine Courts Establish Murder Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and intent to kill are proven in murder cases, using the conviction of Maximo Hernandez as an example.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Insufficient Identification in Drug Sale Conviction
Supreme Court acquits drug sale convicts when police cannot identify who sold marijuana, applying reasonable doubt standard.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge Ignores the Supreme Court and the Law
A 2000 Supreme Court ruling shows that judges can be fined for failing to follow a mandatory reporting law and for remarks that undermine the Court's authority.
Clouded Titles: Protecting Land Ownership Rights Against Invalid Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court protects land ownership rights when fraudulent claims, invalid mortgages, and void free patents cloud title.
When Heirs Can Question a Void Marriage After Death: The Niñal Rule
Heirs may challenge a deceased person's void marriage for successional rights. The Supreme Court explains the limits and rules.
Duty and Diligence: Upholding Efficiency in Public Service
A Supreme Court administrative case reminds court employees that efficiency and diligence are non-negotiable duties in public service.
Lis Pendens and Oral Partition: Protecting Property Rights in Real Estate
Explaining how the Supreme Court upheld an oral partition and quitclaims, clarifying quieting of title and property rights.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's dismissal of criminal cases constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: The Boundaries of Justifiable Force
When does a person have the right to use force to defend oneself? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of self-defense in People v. Gaviola.
Pacto de Retro Sale: Consolidation of Ownership and the Judicial Order Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judicial order is needed to consolidate ownership in a pacto de retro sale, and when it is not.
Protecting Innocence: The Supreme Court's Stance on Child Rape and Child Witness Testimony
A five-year-old rape victim's testimony can convict. The Supreme Court explains child witness credibility and the death penalty for child rape.
Abuse of Superior Strength and Treachery in Murder: Key Lessons from People v. Pirame
Explaining how the Supreme Court distinguished treachery from abuse of superior strength in a murder conviction, with practical lessons for criminal cases.
Interpleader Actions: Procedure, Jurisdiction, and the Proper Remedy for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interpleader procedure, jurisdiction, and why dismissal orders must be appealed, not challenged via certiorari.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Influence: Striking the Balance in Criminal Case Dismissal
When can a judge dismiss a criminal case on the prosecutor's recommendation? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial discretion.