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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Understanding Illegal Logging and Timber Possession Laws in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that possessing lumber without legal documents is a crime under the Revised Forestry Code, explaining key rules on seizure and confiscation.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Key Differences and Liabilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the liabilities that follow.
Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: The Least Prejudicial Rule Explained
Learn how Philippine courts choose the least prejudicial right of way under the Civil Code and the Quimen case.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases, from consent rules to penalties, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Habitual Tardiness and Absences: Consequences for Government Employees in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine civil service rules penalize habitual tardiness and unauthorized absences, and what the Supreme Court says about accountability.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.
Validity OF Foreclosure Sales Notice Requirements AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Navigating Annulment in the Philippines: Due Process, Collusion, and the Role of Legal Counsel
The Tuason case clarifies due process, counsel's negligence, and the state's role in Philippine annulment proceedings.
When Can You Justifiably Use Force: Self-Defense in the Philippines
Learn the legal requirements for self-defense in the Philippines, including the elements of unlawful aggression and how courts assess justifiable force.
Understanding Res Judicata and Its Exceptions in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of property cases in the Philippines, plus the recognized exceptions to this procedural rule.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Understanding the Under-Seven Rule
The Supreme Court explains the mandatory under-seven rule in child custody cases under Article 213 of the Family Code.
Acquisitive Prescription: How Long Does It Take to Gain Ownership of Land in the Philippines
Learn how long you must possess land in the Philippines to acquire ownership through acquisitive prescription, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.
Falsification of Time Records: Penalties and Considerations for Government Employees in the Philippines
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on falsified daily time records by a government employee, the penalties involved, and mitigating factors considered.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Does It Warrant Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dishonesty justifies dismissal versus when a lesser penalty like separation pay is proper.
Regular vs Probationary Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular employees and their right to backwages in illegal dismissal cases.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Learn what constitutes illegal dismissal in the Philippines, the twin due process requirements, and the remedies available to employees.
Land Reform and Jurisdiction: Understanding Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the DAR, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving land transfer certificates.