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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Upholding Preliminary Investigation Rights: A Judge's Duty to Ensure Due Process
When a judge skips preliminary investigation, due process suffers. This ruling clarifies a judge's non-waivable duty to protect the accused's substantive rights.
Misappropriation of Litigant Funds Leads to Judge's Dismissal
Supreme Court dismisses judge for misappropriating P78,000 in fiduciary funds entrusted by litigants, violating Circular No. 50-95.
Judicial Efficiency Imperative Resolving Cases Within Prescribed Deadlines
Why Philippine judges must resolve cases within constitutional deadlines, and the consequences of delay, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How positive eyewitness identification and treachery established murder beyond reasonable doubt in People v. Bagsit, and what this means for criminal cases.
Defining Common Carrier: Liability for Cargo Loss Due to Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier status and extraordinary diligence in cargo loss cases, citing Asia Lighterage case.
Eyewitness Identification VS Alibi THE Standard FOR Criminal Conviction IN THE Philippines
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Judicial Efficiency: The Imperative of Timely Case Resolution in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's 90-day case resolution duty, its constitutional basis, and the consequences of delay.
Resolving Land Disputes THE Imperative OF General Jurisdiction Over Ownership Claims
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for undue delay in deciding cases, and what the 90-day rule means for litigants.
Ejectment and Due Process: When Occupants Become Parties in Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether occupants not named as defendants in forcible entry cases are bound by execution and demolition orders.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Prescription in Implied Trusts: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for implied trusts begins under Philippine law, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Copyright Protection Scope of Advertising Display Unit Drawings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that copyright over technical drawings does not extend to the depicted object; patents protect inventions.
Minority as a Privileged Mitigating Circumstance: The Weight of a Birth Certificate in Criminal Cases
A birth certificate is the best evidence of age. The Supreme Court explains how minority can reduce a criminal penalty.
Reasonable Doubt When Inconsistent Testimony Leads TO Acquittal IN Rape Cases
Substantial Compliance When Overly Strict Rules Give Way to Justice in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice, as shown in a case on equitable mortgage and res judicata.
Prosecutorial Discretion Defining THE Limits OF Judicial Review IN Estafa Cases
Holder in Due Course and Payee Obligations Under Philippine Negotiable Instruments Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a check payee qualifies as a holder in due course and the duties of parties to negotiable instruments.
Writ of Possession Is a Ministerial Duty of Courts in Foreclosure Cases
In Chailease Finance v. Spouses Ma, the Supreme Court ruled that issuing a writ of possession after foreclosure is a ministerial duty, not a discretionary act.
From Part-Time to Full-Time Regular Employment: Protecting Workers' Rights
Philippine Airlines v. Pascua clarifies when part-time workers become regular full-time employees entitled to complete benefits under Philippine labor law.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.