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.
Limits on Notarial Powers: Balancing Public Service and Official Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when clerks of court may act as ex officio notaries and when they overstep their authority.
Retirement Benefits for Seasonal Workers: Entitlement and Computation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how seasonal workers' retirement pay is computed under Article 287 and RA 7641, including the six-month rule.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Defamation and Privileged Communication: Protecting Reputation in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel, privileged communication, and damages in Almendras v. Almendras, balancing free speech with reputation protection.
Reconstitution of Torrens Titles: Strict Compliance and the Hierarchy of Courts
A petition to reconstitute a lost Torrens title must strictly follow RA 26; wrong remedy and forum doom the case.
Pre-Trial Attendance Is Key: Consequences of Absenteeism in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict compliance with pre-trial rules. Learn the consequences of absence and the rules on reconstitution of titles.
Security of Tenure: Regular Employment and Illegal Dismissal in Fixed-Term Contracts
When does a fixed-term employee become regular? The Supreme Court clarifies security of tenure, illegal dismissal, and employer burden of proof.
Upholding Corporate Governance: The Limits of Status Quo Orders in Intra-Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules for status quo orders in intra-corporate disputes, emphasizing due process, bonds, and the limits of provisional relief.
Substitution in Elections: Comelec's Discretion and Due Process Rights
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on candidate substitution, the Comelec's ministerial duty, and the due process requirements in election cases.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
Judge Fined P40,000 for Using Court Chambers as Residence and Love Nest
Supreme Court holds judges to strict moral standards, penalizing a judge who used his chambers as residence and for an extramarital affair.
Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct: Court Personnel Held to Highest Standard
Court interpreter dismissed for grave misconduct and illegal exaction; stenographer suspended for simple dishonesty in administrative case.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Defendants' Rights in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts balance default orders with due process, and what defendants must prove to lift a default judgment.
Breach of Trust and Employee Dismissal: Employer's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Temic Automotive v. Cantos on breach of trust dismissals, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Upholding Search Warrants in Copyright Infringement Cases: Balancing Rights and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may quash search warrants in software piracy cases, and when they must uphold them.
Intervention Rights When A Case Fails SO Does THE Right TO Intervene
When a main case is dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, an intervenor's right to intervene also ceases. Learn the rule from Pulgar v. RTC of Mauban.
Attorney Suspended 3 Years for Neglect and Misrepresentation in Adoption Case
Lawyer suspended three years for taking fees but failing to file adoption petition and misleading client about its status.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Full Salary for Unexpired Contract, Not Just 3 Months
The Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed OFWs are entitled to full salaries for the unexpired portion of their contracts, striking down the three-month cap as unconstitutional.
Indirect Contempt and Due Process: Why Hearings Matter in Ejectment Cases
The Supreme Court explains when non-appearance at a preliminary conference justifies judgment without further hearing, and what this means for due process.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglect and Unethical Advice: Pitcher v. Gagate
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for improper advice, neglect, and abandonment of a client in estate matters.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Counterclaims Survive Independent Adjudication After Complaint Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing a complaint does not automatically kill the defendant's counterclaim, which may proceed independently.