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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Balancing Local Autonomy and National Law: The Limits of Municipal Power Over Water Resources
The Supreme Court nullified Batangas City's desalination ordinance, ruling that local governments cannot regulate water resources already governed by national law.
Government Disallowances: When Good Faith Excuses the Return of Funds
The Supreme Court clarifies when good faith excuses public officers from returning disallowed funds, applying the Madera rules on return.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Second Chances: The Supreme Court's Compassionate Stance on Judicial Clemency
The Supreme Court partially grants a dismissed judge's plea for clemency, allowing release of 1/3 of her retirement benefits.
Senior Citizen Discount on Funeral Services Includes Interment, SC Rules
Supreme Court rules interment services are covered by the 20% senior citizen discount on funeral and burial services under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
Gross Negligence of Counsel: When Final Convictions Can Be Reopened for Due Process
When a lawyer's gross negligence and lies cost a client the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall a final judgment to protect due process.
Mitigating Circumstances and Gross Neglect of Duty: Reassessing Penalties in Judiciary Misconduct
The Supreme Court modifies dismissal to suspension for a clerk of court guilty of gross neglect, appreciating mitigating circumstances under amended Rule 140.
When a Missing Estate Administrator Does Not Void a Contract Case: Heirs of Manzano v. Kinsonic
The Supreme Court clarifies when the absence of an estate administrator is not fatal to a contract dispute, distinguishing indispensable from necessary parties.
Notarial Duty Consequences Of Neglecting Proper Identification IN Philippine LAW
A notary who fails to verify identities faces suspension and perpetual disqualification, as shown in a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Navigating Preliminary Investigations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between probable cause and due process in preliminary investigations, affirming a direct bribery conviction.
Disbarment for Misconduct: Lawyer Who Solicited Bribes for CA Justices Removed from Bar
Lawyer disbarred for soliciting P160,000 to bribe Court of Appeals justices, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Lawyer Disbarred for Bribery Scheme and Misleading Client in Appeal
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who collected P160,000 to bribe CA justices, failed to file client's brief, and misled a desperate mother.
Disbarment for Influence Peddling: Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Profession
A lawyer who claimed he could bribe Court of Appeals justices to win a client's appeal was disbarred for gross misconduct.
When a New Law Quietly Replaces an Old One: The Customs Brokers Case
The Supreme Court explains implied repeal and equal protection in upholding the Customs Modernization Act's changes to customs broker exclusivity.
Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
PhilHealth Claims: Supreme Court Protects Healthcare Providers’ Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court ruled PhilHealth violated due process in claims against Quezon City Eye Center, reinforcing procedural fairness in administrative cases.
Police Misconduct Excessive Force: SC Upholds Dismissal of PO2 in Fatal Shooting
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a police officer for grave misconduct after fatal shooting, clarifying limits of law enforcement authority.
SEC Investigations and Due Process: What the Supreme Court Said in Tengco
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC investigation lapses do not strip courts of jurisdiction over Securities Regulation Code violations.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Laws Protect Workers Abroad
Philippine labor laws protect OFWs from illegal dismissal, even abroad. Learn the rules on retrenchment, due process, and remedies.
Confiscation of Property: Balancing Government Authority and Due Process Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court balances state power to recover ill-gotten wealth against constitutional due process and prescription rights.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.