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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
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.
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.
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.
Duress or Deception: When Fear Fails as a Defense in Kidnapping for Ransom
The Supreme Court explains when uncontrollable fear is not a valid defense in kidnapping for ransom cases.
Agrarian Disputes: The Imperfect Appeal and Loss of Land Rights
A one-day delay and the wrong appellate forum cost a landowner her property claim. Learn the rules on agrarian appeals.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorneys' Duty of Diligence and Accountability
Banks must honor commitments in good faith; courts award temperate damages when actual loss can't be precisely proven.
Flight From Justice: How Fugitive Status Can Bar Appeal Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how a fugitive's escape from custody can lead to dismissal of their appeal and loss of legal remedies.
Leave Benefits for Dismissed Employees: Balancing Justice and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies prescriptive periods for money claims and illegal dismissal cases in Texon Manufacturing vs. Millena.
When Self Defense Claims Fall Short Understanding Unlawful Aggression IN Philippine LAW
A street brawl, a fatal stabbing, and a conviction reduced to slight physical injuries—what the Supreme Court said about conspiracy and liability.
When a Deed of Absolute Sale Governs: Ejectment, Ownership, and the Kasunduan
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve ejectment cases when a seller claims the deed of sale was incomplete, and what the Kasunduan means.
Conspiracy in Murder: When Watching a Killing Makes You a Co-Conspirator
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how conspiracy in murder is proven—and why a live-in partner who watched the killing was held liable.
Navigating Forum Shopping AND Valid Cause OF Action IN Foreclosure Cases Mondragon Leisure VS Ucpb
When Judges Fail the Bar: Default Orders and the Duty to Notify
A judge's failure to furnish defaulted parties with court orders violates judicial conduct rules, resulting in a fine.
Timeliness of Labor Claims: Understanding Prescription Periods for Employees' Rights
Learn how prescription periods apply to money claims and illegal dismissal cases under Philippine labor law, explained through the Texon Manufacturing case.
Upholding Electoral Will: Intervention and Abandonment in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on intervention by non-parties and abandonment of election protests, guided by the will of the people.
Condominium Living Enforcing Brochure Promises and Addressing Building Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on condominium buyers' rights, brochure promises as warranties, and remedies for building defects under PD 957.
Witness Credibility Prevails Over Alibi and Treachery in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court clarifies when a lone eyewitness's testimony can overcome alibi and when treachery fails to qualify murder.
Confirming Land Titles: Possession Isnt Always Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling on search warrants clarifies that holding a Torrens title does not automatically mean ownership, and explains the limits of seizure.
Leave Credits Survive Dismissal: The Paredes v. Padua Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed government employees keep earned leave credits, even when retirement benefits are forfeited.
Balancing Presumption OF Regularity AND Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Drug Cases
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.