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.
Res Judicata Bars Repeated Lawsuits for the Same Breach of Contract
A single breach of contract gives rise to only one cause of action. Learn how the Supreme Court applied res judicata to bar a second lawsuit.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, including the presumption of misappropriation when funds are not forthcoming upon demand.
Navigating Appeals Jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals in Collection Cases
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the CTA has exclusive appellate jurisdiction over tax collection cases, and wrong appeals must be dismissed.
Local Autonomy vs National Interest: Can Congress Override Local Taxing Power
The Supreme Court strikes down RA 9167 provisions that diverted local amusement taxes to a national agency, affirming local fiscal autonomy.
Breach of Trust: Disbarment for Lawyer Neglect and Misconduct in Attorney-Client Relations
A lawyer's failure to file a client's case for three years, refusal to return funds, and practice while suspended led to disbarment.
Unproven Claims When Government Contracts Lack Evidence Of Delivery
Supreme Court affirms COA denial of P63M textbook claim for lack of proof of delivery and appropriation.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney Disbarred for Neglect, Non-Communication, and Practicing While Suspended
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for neglecting a client's case, failing to return funds, and practicing law while under suspension.
Registered Owner vs Actual Operator: Who Pays in Vehicle Accidents?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the registered-owner rule in vehicle accidents and the right to reimbursement via cross-claim against the actual operator.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Seclusion: People v. Nuyok
The Supreme Court affirms rape convictions based on circumstantial evidence, ruling that seclusion is not an element of the crime.
Registered-Owner Rule in Bus Accidents: Liability and Cross-Claims Explained
Learn how the registered-owner rule makes bus owners liable for accidents, and how they can recover via cross-claims.
Protecting Workers Employers Faulty Systems Cannot Justify Employee Penalties
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that employers cannot penalize workers for systemic failures beyond their control.
Contributory Negligence in Property Disputes: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities
When adjoining landowners cause damage to each other, Philippine courts weigh contributory negligence in awarding damages. Learn from the Vergara v. Sonkin case.
Optional Retirement Requires Employee's Explicit Consent: A Guide to Article 302 of the Labor Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that optional retirement before age 65 requires the employee's explicit, voluntary consent; otherwise, it is illegal dismissal.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Subrogation Claim Over Vehicular Accident
SC affirms insurer's subrogation claim, holding driver negligent and owner vicariously liable for damages from a 2014 collision.
Indispensable Parties in Loan Disputes: The Land Bank v. Cacayuran Rule
Why failing to implead an indispensable party voids court rulings in loan agreement disputes, explained through Land Bank v. Cacayuran.
Barangay Settlement Enforcement: MCTC Jurisdiction and the 10-Day Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified enforcement of barangay amicable settlements, including MCTC jurisdiction and the binding 10-day repudiation period.
Rape With a Deadly Weapon: When the Charge Must Be Upgraded to Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape with a deadly weapon or by multiple offenders becomes qualified rape, raising the penalty.
Acts of Lasciviousness: When a Minor's Testimony Suffices and How RA 7610 Applies
A father's conviction for acts of lasciviousness affirmed—when a child's lone testimony suffices and how RA 7610 sets the penalty.
Perfecting Appeals: The Strict Requirements for Employers in Labor Disputes
Employers must strictly comply with appeal bond and deadline rules under Article 223 of the Labor Code or risk losing their appeal entirely.
Retroactivity of Laws Protecting Vested Retirement Benefits of Military Personnel
Supreme Court rules PD 1638 cannot retroactively strip vested retirement benefits of military retirees under RA 340.
When Fit-to-Work Assessments Prevail: Seafarer Disability Claims Under POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's fit-to-work declaration prevails over a seafarer's chosen doctor in disability claims.
Liberal Interpretation of Appeal Rules in Administrative Cases: The Neypes Fresh Period Rule Limitation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies only to judicial appeals, not administrative appeals like those before the Office of the President.
Real Party in Interest and Property Disputes: Standing to Sue Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine who may sue in property cases, with insights from Lexber v. Dalman on standing and rehabilitation.
Corporate Responsibility Enforcing Contracts Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court clarifies corporate rehabilitation rules, HLURB receiver requests, and 180-day plan approval periods in Lexber v. Dalman.