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.
Forum Shopping in Administrative Cases: Dismissal Based on Identical Allegations
When do separate administrative complaints become forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains the rules on identical allegations and dismissal.
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Fugitive From Justice Ruling: Intent to Evade Must Be Proven for Disqualification
Supreme Court explains what makes a candidate a "fugitive from justice" and why intent to evade prosecution must be proven.
Search Warrants Beyond Territorial Limits: Compelling Reasons Under Rule 126
When may a judge issue a search warrant outside his court's territorial jurisdiction? The Supreme Court explains "compelling reasons" under Rule 126.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Appeal Dismissed Understanding Questions OF LAW VS Questions OF Fact IN Summary Judgments
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between questions of law and fact in appeals from summary judgments, and the proper remedy.
Diminution of Benefits: Government Employees and Contractual Bonuses Clarified
Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may keep contractual bonuses like the 14th month pay, and the limits of non-diminution.
Identity Theft in the Legal Profession: Striking a Fraudulent Attorney From the Roll
A man used his brother's identity to pass the Bar. The Supreme Court struck the name from the Roll and barred him forever.
Bail and Humanitarian Considerations: Balancing Constitutional Rights and Individual Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms that bail may be granted on humanitarian grounds, weighing an accused's health and flight risk against constitutional rights.
Untimely Appeal: The High Cost of Missed Deadlines in Labor Disputes
A missed 15-day deadline to appeal a Court of Appeals ruling proved fatal for an employer, showing why procedural rules matter.
Loss of Confidence as a Dismissal Ground: When Employers Cannot Claim It
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be a simulated or afterthought ground for dismissing a managerial employee.
Loss of Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: When Employers Cannot Use It as a Subterfuge
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be simulated or used as a subterfuge to justify an illegal dismissal.
Citizenship Dispute in Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Direct Attack
Disbarment case dismissed because citizenship cannot be attacked collaterally; direct action required.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Need for Clear Identification of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in drug cases, the identity of the seized item must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just presumed.
Banks' Duty of Utmost Diligence: Liability for Forged Manager's Checks
When a bank clears a counterfeit manager's check bearing its own officers' forged signatures, it bears the loss—not the depositor.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Quieting Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Lessons from Guntalilib v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting-of-title action is actually an annulment of title, and why substance prevails over form.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.
Freedom of Expression vs. Election Rules: The Diocese of Bacolod Tarpaulin Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a church tarpaulin on the RH Law was not election propaganda, protecting citizen speech during elections.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Dealings: How to Register Property Agreements in the Philippines
Learn the difference between voluntary and involuntary dealings under Philippine property law, and why registering a conditional sale as an adverse claim can be a costly mistake.
Ejectment Actions Beyond Lease Agreements: The Contract to Sell Rule in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment cases cover contract to sell violations, not just lease agreements or forcible entry.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.