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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Supreme Court Fines Judge for Delay, Upholding Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases
The Supreme Court fined a judge P5,000 for deciding a summary procedure case four months late, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Breach of Trust Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Witnesses
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible victim testimony, even without eyewitnesses or medical examination.
Speedy Trial Rights: Government Delay Leads to Dismissal of Falsification Charges
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan must dismiss falsification cases after Ombudsman's decade-long delay violated petitioner's constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Banking Negligence Claims: Depositors Must Prove Unauthorized Transactions
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that depositors claiming unauthorized withdrawals must prove forgery or fraud, not just allege bank negligence.
Upholding Labor Tribunal Authority Regular Courts Barred From Enjoining Nlrc Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that regular courts cannot issue TROs against NLRC decisions, holding a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law.
Judicial Overreach: When Regular Courts Overstep Labor Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on when regional trial courts overstep jurisdiction by issuing TROs in labor cases, explained for lay readers.
Judge Fined for Delay: The Duty to Decide Cases Promptly Under Summary Procedure
A judge's four-month delay in deciding a forcible entry case violated the Rules on Summary Procedure and the constitutional right to speedy disposition.
Accion Pauliana: When the Four-Year Clock Starts on Fraudulent Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the four-year prescriptive period for accion pauliana begins, protecting creditors from fraudulent conveyances by debtors.
Reasonable Doubt and Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from People v. Balano
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony outweighs alibi and the absence of medical examination.
Forcible Entry in the Philippines: Proving Prior Possession and Unlawful Deprivation
Understand the requirements for forcible entry cases in the Philippines, including prior possession and unlawful deprivation, based on the Ong v. Parel ruling.
Conviction for Incestuous Rape: When Multiple Counts Arise from One Information
A father's conviction for six counts of incestuous rape shows how credible victim testimony and proof of minority determine the penalty.
When a Judge Crosses the Line: Interference in a Criminal Case and the Price of Impropriety
A Court of Appeals justice was dismissed for trying to influence a prosecutor in a drug case. This article explains the ruling and its lessons.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Integrity AND Preventing Simulation IN Auction Sales
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Reasonable Doubt and Criminal Liability: Homicide, Conspiracy, and the Limits of Witness Testimony in the Phil
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies reasonable doubt, conspiracy, and qualifying circumstances in a murder appeal that became homicide.
Incestuous Rape Credibility OF Witness Testimony AND THE Burden OF Proving Minority
Reckless Imprudence vs Intentional Felony: Determining Criminal Liability in Vehicular Accidents
Understand how Philippine courts distinguish reckless imprudence from intentional felonies in vehicular accidents, and why the distinction matters for criminal liability.
When Sheriffs Abuse Execution Sales: Accountability and the Rule of Law
A sheriff's dismissal for a simulated auction sale shows why court officers must follow execution rules strictly.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct and Disciplinary Liability Under the CPRA
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline clarifies duties to courts, consequences of misconduct, and how penalties apply to disbarred attorneys.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Discourtesy: Paras v. Lofranco
Court personnel must remain courteous even when provoked by lawyers; discourtesy draws administrative penalties.
Protecting Election Integrity: The 120-Day Voter Registration Ban Under RA 8189
Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's denial of special voter registration within 120 days before elections, affirming the mandatory registration deadline under RA 8189.
Diplomatic Immunity for International Officials: When It Shields and When It Does Not
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ADB staff immunity covers only official acts, not private crimes like slander.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Motions in Estate Proceedings
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to resolve motions within 90 days is gross inefficiency, even in complex estate cases.