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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Judicial Temperance: Upholding Courtroom Decorum and Judicial Conduct
Cañeda v. Menchavez explains why a judge who loses his temper and displays a firearm in court faces administrative discipline for unbecoming conduct.
Defining the Employer: Coca-Cola's Control Over Contracted Salesmen
When is a contractor a labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies employer liability and control over contracted salesmen.
Upholding Comelec Discretion in Pre-Proclamation Controversies
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in dismissing pre-proclamation disputes, emphasizing limited scope of review and proper remedies.
Retroactive Application OF Jurisprudence Clarifying THE Ombudsmans Authority
Retroactivity of Supreme Court Decisions on Tax Exemptions: CJH Development v. BIR
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax exemption rulings apply retroactively and why declaratory relief is not the proper remedy for contesting tax assessments.
Breach of Trust Dismissal Upheld for Financial Controller's Mismanagement
Supreme Court rules financial controller validly dismissed for gross neglect, serious misconduct, and loss of trust and confidence.
Surety Still Liable: Insolvency of Principal Debtor Does Not Extinguish Surety's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a surety remains liable even if the principal debtor is declared insolvent. Learn the key principles from Gateway Electronics v. Asianbank.
Title Reconstitution Requires Strict Adherence to Procedure: Republic v. Castro
The Supreme Court nullifies a title reconstitution for failure to comply with the mandatory requirements of Republic Act No. 26.
NPC Liable for Electrocution Death: Duty to Maintain Safe Transmission Lines
Supreme Court rules power company negligent for sagging transmission lines that electrocuted a miner, rejecting contributory negligence defense.
Control Is Key: Hospital Supervision Determines Employer-Employee Relationship With Resident Doctors
Supreme Court rules hospital control over resident doctors creates employer-employee relationship, entitling them to labor law protections.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's Fit-to-Work Assessment Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims: the company-designated physician's fit-to-work certification controls absent a third-doctor review.
Incestuous Rape Consummation and the Retroactive Effect of the Death Penalty Ban
Explaining when rape is consummated and how R.A. 9346 retroactively reduced death sentences to reclusion perpetua without parole.
Judicial Ethics and the Price of Impropriety: Lessons from the Court of Appeals Controversy
The Supreme Court's ruling on the CA justices' conduct in the Meralco-GSIS case underscores the strict standards of judicial ethics and propriety.
Reconstitution of Title: Tax Declarations and Survey Plans Are Not Enough
Supreme Court rules tax declarations, survey plans, and technical descriptions are insufficient bases for reconstituting a lost or destroyed certificate of title.
Exterior vs Interior Contract Interpretation and Obligations in Philippine Law
Supreme Court rules on contract interpretation: plain meaning controls unless ambiguity exists, and obscurity cannot favor the drafting party.
When a Lawyer's Private Dealings Destroy Public Trust: Manaois v. Deciembre
A lawyer's private misconduct can lead to indefinite suspension. Learn the lessons from Manaois v. Deciembre on professional responsibility.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Proving Loss of Owner's Duplicate and ROD Records
Supreme Court clarifies what evidence suffices to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
When Is a Newspaper Columnist an Employee? The Orozco Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Freelance or Employee? The Test for Newspaper Columnists in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Fresh Period Rule and Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Explaining the fresh period rule for appeals, its retroactive effect, and why the wrong remedy still fails in Makati Insurance v. Reyes.
Fresh Period Rule Applies Retroactively to Pending Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies retroactively to pending cases, allowing late appeals to proceed.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Protecting Property Rights Despite Missing Records
Philippine Supreme Court explains how lost or destroyed land titles can be reconstituted under R.A. 26, protecting property owners' rights.