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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Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Timely Appeals in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules apply retroactively, allowing a late certiorari petition to proceed.
Incestuous Rape Revisiting Penalties and the Application of Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for incestuous rape, emphasizing proof of minority and the mandatory award of civil indemnity.
Expropriation and Due Process: When a City's Power of Eminent Domain Fails
The Supreme Court ruled that the City of Manila violated due process in expropriating private land for housing, failing to exhaust other acquisition modes under RA 7279.
When Rape Accusations Fail: The Presumption of Innocence in Philippine Criminal Cases
A Supreme Court acquittal shows how reasonable doubt, not the victim's word alone, decides rape cases in the Philippines.
Acquittal IN Rape Cases When Consensual Relationship Creates Reasonable Doubt
Protecting Minors When a Stepfather's Relationship Qualifies as Rape
The Supreme Court explains when a stepparent's rape of a minor is simple rape or qualified rape and why the indictment must allege the qualifying relationship.
Forum Shopping and Preliminary Injunctions: David v. Navarro Case Analysis
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a preliminary injunction cannot issue and what constitutes forum shopping in property disputes.
Judicial Independence vs Administrative Oversight: Striking the Balance in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges and sheriffs face administrative liability, protecting judicial independence while ensuring accountability.
Sheriff’s Extortion and Neglect of Duty: When Misconduct Warrants Dismissal from Service
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines erring sheriffs, with a 2004 ruling on extortion and neglect of duty as grounds for dismissal.
THE Duty TO Bargain Enforcing Good Faith IN Collective Bargaining Agreements
Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Public Trust
The Supreme Court fined four RTC judges for delayed decisions, underscoring that judges must decide cases within 90 days or face administrative sanctions.
Reasonable Doubt and the Right to Acquit: Safeguarding Justice in Criminal Cases
Explore how the presumption of innocence, proof beyond reasonable doubt, and the right to be informed of charges shape fair criminal trials in the Philippines.
Judge’s Administrative Liability for Gross Ignorance of the Law in Election Protests and Preliminary Investiga
A judge who shortcuts election protest proceedings and fails to transmit preliminary investigation records faces administrative sanctions, even if the complainant withdraws.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Ignorance of Law in Election Protest and Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for gross ignorance of law, due process violations, and failure to transmit criminal case records to prosecutors.
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Dismissal OF Administrative Complaints Substantiating Claims Against Judges
Bigamy and Void Marriages: When a Second Marriage Can Be Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a second marriage is not bigamous, even if the first marriage was never judicially annulled.
Client Inaction and Legal Default: When Silence on Attorney's Fees Backfires
A client's failure to act on a lawyer's billing can lead to default judgment. Learn the rules on attorney's fees and res judicata.
Negligence in Notarial Duties Upholding Attorneys Oath and Public Trust
SC disbars notary for life for notarizing an affidavit without the affiant's presence and falsely stating a residence certificate was exhibited.
Judge Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Upholding Judicial Ethics in Philippine Courts
Supreme Court reprimands a Cebu RTC judge for berating a lawyer in open court, reaffirming strict standards of judicial conduct and courtesy.
Recanted Testimony and Witness Credibility: Resolving Conflicting Accounts in Philippine Courts
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, recanted testimony, and treachery in murder cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery Unproven Conviction Reduced TO Homicide DUE TO Lack OF Premeditation
Beyond Reasonable Doubt: Buy-Bust Operations and the Presumption of Regularity
A look at how the Supreme Court balances police discretion in buy-bust operations against the constitutional presumption of innocence.