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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Delay in Resolving Cases Constitutes Gross Inefficiency: A Lesson for Judges
The Supreme Court reminds judges that unreasonable delay in resolving cases is gross inefficiency, eroding public trust in the judiciary.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Conspiracy in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on credible victim testimony, medical evidence, and proof of conspiracy among three accused.
Lawyer's Duty to Respect Attorney-Client Relationships: Lessons from Camacho v. Pangulayan
A lawyer who negotiates directly with opposing parties already represented by counsel violates professional ethics and faces suspension.
Repeated Untimely Extension Requests Can Lead to Gross Inefficiency Charges for Judges
Learn how a judge's repeated late requests for extension led to a fine for gross inefficiency and what this means for judicial accountability.
Step-Parent Rape and the Death Penalty: What Philippine Law Requires
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a stepfather who raped his 11-year-old stepdaughter, clarifying the rules on qualifying circumstances and damages.
Illegal Dismissal Liability: Government Entity vs Individual Officials
Supreme Court clarifies when government, not individual officials, must pay back wages of illegally dismissed employees.
Warrantless Search Limits and Penalty in Drug Cases: People v. Che Chun Ting
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of warrantless searches incident to arrest and the proper penalty for drug offenses in People v. Che Chun Ting.
Upholding Judicial Responsibility: The Consequences of Delay in Case Resolution
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's repeated delays in deciding cases underscores the duty of judges to resolve cases promptly and the penalties for gross inefficiency.
Non-Payment in a Contract to Sell: A Suspensive Condition, Not a Breach
When is non-payment a breach? In a contract to sell, it is a condition precedent—explained in Padilla v. Paredes.
Confessions and Conspiracy: Navigating Rights and Guilt in Philippine Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when waivers of rights are invalid and how conspiracy is proven in murder cases.
Guarantee OF Refund Prevents Graft Conviction Protecting Government Interests IN Procurement
Judicial Integrity: Partiality and Dishonesty in Court Proceedings
When a judge alters orders and shows bias, public trust in the judiciary suffers. The Supreme Court's ruling explained.
Illegal Lumber Possession: Why Correct Forest Product Documents Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber possession clarifies why Certificates of Lumber Origin, not Timber Origin, are required and the penalties involved.
Positive Identification Over Alibi Upholding Justice In Highway Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms a highway robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that positive identification prevails over a weak alibi defense.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
Employers' Subsidiary Liability and Due Process in Criminal Proceedings
When can an employer be held subsidiarily liable for an employee's crime? The Supreme Court explains the due process requirements.
Due Process in Bail Applications: The Mandatory Hearing for Capital Offenses
Bail in capital offenses requires a mandatory hearing to determine if evidence of guilt is strong. Learn the rules from Narciso v. Sta. Romana-Cruz.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Courts Defer to Anti-Graft Investigations
Philippine courts defer to Ombudsman findings in anti-graft cases absent grave abuse of discretion. Learn from Morong Water District.
Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
Unraveling Circumstantial Evidence Conviction Despite Lack OF Direct Proof IN Murder Cases
Bouncing Checks Law: When a Valid Cause to Stop Payment Defeats a Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a buyer who stopped payment on postdated checks due to a developer's failure to complete a townhouse project.