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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When a Killing During a Carnapping Is Only Homicide: The Limits of Criminal Intent
The Supreme Court explains when a killing during an alleged carnapping may be punished only as homicide, not the special complex crime.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy for questioning Ombudsman dismissals in administrative and criminal complaints involving public funds.
Bigamy and Psychological Incapacity: Subsequent Nullity Declarations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a later declaration of psychological incapacity does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Liberal Interpretation of Rules in Default Judgments: Bahia Shipping v. Mosquera
When can courts relax procedural rules? The Supreme Court explains in Bahia Shipping v. Mosquera why substantial justice prevails over technicalities.
Mortgaged Chattels: Valid Seizure and Foreclosure Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on chattel mortgage seizure, foreclosure, and the limits of appellate review in Samala v. Court of Appeals.
Dismissal of Appeal, Counsel's Negligence, and the Right to Be Heard
The Supreme Court reinstated an arson convict's appeal after his lawyer withdrew without notice, ruling that procedural rules must yield to substantial justice.
Wage Distortion vs Management Prerogative: Salary Adjustments in the Philippines
When can employees claim wage distortion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of the Labor Code and management's right to set salaries.
Drug Sales and Entrapment: Court Upholds Buy-Bust Conviction in Shabu Case
Supreme Court affirms conviction in buy-bust drug operation, clarifying rules on entrapment, buy-bust money, and frame-up defenses in Philippine drug cases.
Entrapment VS Instigation Safeguarding Individual Rights IN Drug Cases 2
Judicial Stability vs Land Disputes: Resolving Conflicting Property Rights Claims
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of judicial stability bars courts from interfering with co-equal courts' judgments in property disputes.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs Ejectment: Clarifying Obligations in Property Law
Supreme Court clarifies rules on ejectment, supersedeas bonds, and procedural requirements in property disputes under Philippine law.
Forum Shopping Litigants Cannot Simultaneously Pursue Identical Claims In Multiple Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule against forum shopping and the duty to implead indispensable parties in appeals.
Backwages Despite Just Cause Dismissal: When Procedure Matters in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees dismissed for just cause but denied due process, and the limits of certiorari.
Burden OF Proof IN Insurance Disputes Establishing THE Authenticity OF Surety Bonds
Rape Conviction Stands Despite Initial Charge of Forcible Abduction
Supreme Court rules forcible abduction is absorbed in rape when the intent is carnal knowledge, affirming conviction.
Public Officials' Duty to Act in the Best Interest of the Service: Sevilla v. Gocon
When does a public official's omission become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the service.
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Due Diligence in Court Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling shows judges can be fined for delaying cases and mishandling records, underscoring the judiciary's duty of competence and diligence.
Upholding Integrity Clerks OF Court Must Properly Handle Fiduciary Funds
Infidelity and the Bar: Disbarment for Immoral Conduct Outside Professional Duties
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for adultery, ruling that gross immorality in private life warrants removal from the Bar.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding the Testimony of Child Victims in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that a child victim's credible testimony alone can convict in rape cases, even without a broken hymen.
15-Day Deadline for Appealing HLURB Decisions to the Office of the President
Learn the strict 15-day appeal period for HLURB decisions to the Office of the President, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Maxima Realty.
When a Judge's Conduct Creates Bias: The Limits of Judicial Impartiality Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when judicial conduct amounts to bias, and why administrative complaints cannot substitute for appeal.
Judicial Immunity: When Judges Cannot Be Sued for Official Acts
The Supreme Court dismissed an administrative complaint against three Sandiganbayan justices, reaffirming that judges are shielded from suits over official acts done in good faith.
Positive Identification Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Minor Testimony Inconsistencies
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on the victim's credible, positive testimony, rejecting alibi and minor inconsistencies in the prosecution's case.