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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Attorney Negligence Failure to File Petition Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to file a petition for certiorari within the reglementary period constitutes negligence warranting suspension from the practice of law.
Reclassification OF Crime From Robbery TO Theft Based ON Intent AND Violence
Incestuous Rape: Supreme Court Upholds Convictions, Reduces Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms incestuous rape convictions but reduces death sentences to reclusion perpetua, clarifying penalty rules and victim rights.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Guardianship Appointment Prioritizing Family Ties AND THE Wards Best Interests
Negligence in Notarization: Consequences for Failure to Comply With Notarial Duties
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who neglect notarial duties and mishandle client funds, with practical compliance tips.
Attorney Misappropriation of Client Funds: Fiduciary Duty and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
When a lawyer mishandles client money, the Supreme Court does not take it lightly. Learn the ethical rules and consequences.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: Judge Fined for Libel Prelim Investigation Without Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court fines an MTC judge P5,000 for gross ignorance of the law after he conducted a preliminary investigation in a libel case outside his jurisdiction.
When One Eyewitness Is Enough: Conviction for Homicide Despite Alibi and Denial
The Supreme Court explains when a single eyewitness's testimony can convict, and why the killing was homicide, not murder.
Lawyer Suspended for Misusing Court Rules to Delay Execution of Final Judgment
A lawyer's one-year suspension for using procedural rules and a second case to block execution of a final judgment, explained.
Torrens Title Prevails Over Unregistered Deeds in Land Ownership Disputes
When a property becomes registered under the Torrens System, prior unregistered claims are defeated. Learn the rules from Naawan Bank v. Spouses Lumo.
Conspiracy and Liability in Robbery with Homicide: Lessons from People v. Tuppal
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how conspiracy makes every participant in a robbery liable for a killing, even the one who did not fire the fatal shot.
Procedural Technicalities vs Substantial Justice: Reinstating a Petition Dismissed on Technical Grounds
When can courts overlook procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies that substantial justice prevails over mere technicalities in this 2003 ruling.
Reasonable Attorney's Fees in the Philippines: Striking a Balance Between Lawyer Compensation and Client Inter
In Cortes v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's fees on quantum meruit, ruling that lawyering is a calling and not a money-making venture.
Contract Interpretation Enforcing Equitable Compensation FOR Extended Services
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on equitable compensation for extended construction management services in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Santamaria.
Gross Ignorance of Law: Judge Fined for Acting Beyond Jurisdiction in Libel Case
A judge's mistaken assumption of jurisdiction in a libel preliminary investigation results in a P5,000 fine for gross ignorance of the law.
Circumstantial Evidence and Murder Convictions: The People vs. Diaz Case
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence in People vs. Diaz, and what this means for Philippine criminal law.
Judges and Lawyers Face Strict Accountability for Extramarital Affairs
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct can end a judicial career.
Unraveling Behest Loans Discovery Rule AND Ombudsmans Discretion
Airport Security vs Individual Rights: The Fine Line in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when airport security searches are valid and when they violate constitutional rights in drug possession cases.
Right to Information: Accused Cannot Be Convicted of a Crime Not Clearly Charged
The Supreme Court reinstates a rape case, ruling an information need only state the essential elements, not every detail.
Bus Company's Liability: The Duty to Supervise Employees and Prevent Negligence
A bus firm must prove diligence in supervising drivers to avoid liability for their negligence. Victory Liner case explained.
Implied Reservation in Criminal Cases: Protecting Your Right to a Separate Civil Action
When a criminal case is filed, civil liability is impliedly included. But an implied reservation may allow a separate civil suit. Learn the rule.