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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Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Punctuality and Public Trust: Disciplining Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, reaffirming that punctuality is a core duty of public office.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: Why Excuses Like Traffic and Household Chores Fail
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, ruling that traffic and family chores do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
Delay in Reporting a Crime Does Not Destroy Witness Credibility: People v. Hernandez
The Supreme Court rules that fear of reprisal justifies a witness's delay in reporting a crime, and explains when aggravating circumstances apply.
Contempt OF Court Balancing Judicial Authority AND THE Right TO DUE Process IN Preliminary Investigations
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Public Duty
The Supreme Court reprimands a court employee for habitual tardiness, affirming that public service demands strict observance of office hours.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity: The Limits of COMELEC's Power in Unofficial Vote Tabulations
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC Resolution 6712 for usurping Congress' sole power to canvass presidential votes.
Meralco Rate Hikes: Balancing Consumer Protection and Utility Viability
The Supreme Court affirms the ERC's power to grant provisional rate increases, balancing consumer protection with utility financial viability.
Productivity Incentives Government Employees VS Private Sector Benefits
SC rules on whether GOCC employees with original charters may receive productivity incentives under RA 6971.
Priority Disputes: Registered Attachment vs Unregistered Sale in Property Law
A registered attachment beats an unregistered sale in Philippine property law, even if the sale happened first. Learn the rule from Du v. Stronghold.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict chain of custody for drug evidence. Learn the rules and practical implications from recent jurisprudence.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
When a Prior Unregistered Sale Loses to a Registered Attachment Lien
A registered attachment lien beats an earlier unregistered sale under the Torrens system. Learn the rule from Luz Du v. Stronghold Insurance.
When Circumstantial Evidence Fails: The Ador Case and the Presumption of Innocence
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Ador shows how weak circumstantial evidence, flawed identification, and uncounseled admissions cannot overcome the presumption of innocence.
Estafa Conviction Upheld for Deceit in Mobilization Fund Scheme
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for contractor who misrepresented ability to mobilize equipment and misappropriated P600,000 mobilization fund.
Default Judgments When Absence Doesnt Make THE Case GO Away
Finality of Judgment: The Immutability of Court Decisions and Res Judicata
A party cannot relitigate settled cases. This article explains the doctrine of finality of judgment, immutability of decisions, and res judicata.
Redemption vs. Repurchase: Property Rights After Foreclosure in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between redemption and repurchase of foreclosed property, and why timing matters.
Wage Differentials Employees Must Demonstrate Underpayment FOR Claims TO Succeed
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Defining the Lines in Media Talent Engagements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TV or radio host is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the control test.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails A Rape Conviction Overturned DUE TO Insufficient Prosecution Evidence
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Salary Reduction as Grounds for Illegal Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal through demotion and salary reduction, explained in plain language for employees and employers.
Accountability for Murder Conspiracy and the Limits of Alibi
A Supreme Court ruling on murder conviction, eyewitness identification, treachery, and why alibi fails against positive testimony.
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal in Factual Review Cases
Supreme Court clarifies certiorari cannot replace appeal; default orders for repeated pre-trial absences upheld.