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 Judge's Private Misconduct Ends a Judicial Career: Gross Immorality and Its Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a judge's extramarital affair led to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice.
Regular Employment vs Fixed-Term Contracts: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employees become regular workers entitled to security of tenure and full backwages.
Motion to Dismiss Clarifies Court's Duty and the Boundaries of Prescription
A look at how the Supreme Court clarified the proper appellate remedy from COSLAP decisions and the boundaries of prescription in land disputes.
Treachery in Robbery With Homicide: Supreme Court Clarifies Aggravating Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery can aggravate robbery with homicide when the victim is killed treacherously, affecting penalty imposition.
The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
The Weight of Fear: Evaluating Delay in Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape convictions, victim credibility, and why delay in reporting does not weaken a case.
Unlawful Confessions and the Acquittal in a Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court acquitted two men convicted of robbery with rape after finding the extrajudicial confession inadmissible and the identification of the accused uncertain.
Judicial Ethics: Maintaining Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in the Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a Batangas land dispute clarifies when a trial court may deny a motion to dismiss and why it must not defer that resolution until trial.
Judicial Integrity Under Scrutiny: False Statements and the Limits of Bribery Claims in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissing an unproven bribery complaint against a judge while penalizing false statements under judicial ethics.
Treachery in Group Assault: When Murder Qualifies Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery in a coordinated group attack qualifies killing as murder, even without evident premeditation.
Written Agreements Prevail: Recovery of Additional Construction Costs Requires Prior Authorization
Contractors cannot recover extra construction costs without written authorization and agreed pricing under Article 1724 of the Civil Code.
Judicial Accountability When Judges Overstep Supervisory Bounds and Circumvent Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling on when reprimanding a complainant violates due process, and why withdrawing an administrative complaint does not end the case.
Finality First: Execution of Judgment Requires Prior Final Decision
Execution of a judgment before it becomes final is void. Learn the rule from State Investment Trust v. Delta Motors.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsified Time Records: A Lesson in Public Accountability
Court employee suspended one year for habitual tardiness and falsifying time records. A reminder that public office is a public trust.
Breach of Public Trust: Forfeiture of Benefits for Misappropriation of Judiciary Funds
A clerk of court loses retirement benefits for misappropriating judiciary funds, even after full restitution and resignation.
Judicial Employee Accountability: Delayed Remittance of Fiduciary Funds Is Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on clerks of court: delayed remittance of judiciary funds constitutes dishonesty and grave misconduct.
When Silence Doesnt Mean Innocence: The Complexities of Self-Defense in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that silence or lack of resistance does not negate force in rape cases, affirming a father's conviction.
Accountability in Group Crimes: Defining Conspiracy and Liability in Philippine Law
Explaining how Philippine courts define conspiracy and liability in group crimes, with rules on fiduciary duty for court personnel.
Intrafamilial Rape: Conviction Upheld on Minor's Credible Testimony and Parental Relationship
Supreme Court affirms death penalty for father convicted of raping his 13-year-old daughter, relying on the victim's credible testimony and proven relationship.
Carnapping With Homicide: Conspiracy and Admissibility of Extrajudicial Confessions
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on carnapping with homicide, conspiracy among co-accused, and when extrajudicial confessions to private persons are admissible.
Reviving Criminal Cases: Balancing Speed and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a provisionally dismissed criminal case can be revived, balancing the State's right to prosecute with the accused's right to due process.
Upholding Partition Agreements: Notarized Deeds as Valid Public Documents in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notarized deeds of partition as public documents, their presumption of regularity, and evidentiary weight in property disputes.
Judicial Efficiency vs Protracted Delay: The Duty of Judges to Resolve Motions Promptly
The Supreme Court clarifies that provisional dismissal of criminal cases requires the accused's express consent and notice to offended parties.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsification of Time Records Leads to Dismissal
Court personnel dismissed for falsifying daily time records. Learn the rules on dishonesty in Philippine public service.