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.
Psychological Incapacity Proving Marital Nullity Beyond Expert Testimony
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 need not be proven by expert testimony alone, but the totality of evidence must still show grave, juridically antecedent, and
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Delayed Evidence
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession is key, and evidence first presented on appeal cannot be considered.
Illegal Dismissal of Pregnant Employee: SPID Corp. v. Ballesteros Explained
The Supreme Court affirmed that dismissing a pregnant employee without substantial evidence is illegal, reinforcing due process in Philippine labor law.
Challenging Land Titles: Jurisdiction and Collateral Attacks Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear challenges to land titles, and when such actions amount to prohibited collateral attacks.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Key Lessons from ABS-CBN v. Magno
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims and the fine line between forced and voluntary resignation.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Co-Ownership vs. Partition: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
A co-owner may sell only his undivided share; buyers become co-owners, and the proper remedy is partition, not annulment.
Tax Amnesty Limits: Withholding Tax Liabilities and Corporate Officer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that tax amnesty under RA 9480 does not cover withholding tax liabilities, and corporate officers may still face prosecution.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Proving the Employer-Employee Relationship
In illegal dismissal cases, the employee must first prove the employer-employee relationship. G.R. No. 244206 clarifies this burden.
Navigating Will Probate: Key Lessons From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A Philippine Supreme Court decision on property under custodia legis offers crucial lessons for lawyers and litigants in estate and will probate cases.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: No Liability Without Formal Charges
Supreme Court rules a government employee cannot be held administratively liable without a formal charge, reaffirming due process in civil service cases.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Valuation Must Be as of Filing Date, Not Later Market Data
Supreme Court clarifies just compensation is valued as of complaint filing date, not later market prices, in DPWH expropriation case.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
Graft and Conspiracy: When Private Individuals Become Publicly Liable
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on splitting government contracts and conspiracy liability in procurement under RA 9184.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.
Revocation of Teacher’s License, Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies, and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in administrative cases and the distinction between dishonesty and simple negligence in license revocation proceedings.