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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Annulment of Judgment Protects Due Process and Jurisdictional Integrity
When courts dismiss annulment petitions on technicalities, due process suffers. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Impleading Indispensable Parties in Damages Claims: The PNCC v. Superlines Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must implead indispensable parties in damages claims, applying the law of the case doctrine.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of Victim Testimony and Corroborating Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, underscoring the credibility of child victim testimony over medical findings.
Redundancy Dismissal Requires Fair Criteria, Not Just Business Downturn
Philippine Supreme Court rules that redundancy dismissal is illegal unless employers apply fair and reasonable criteria in selecting positions to abolish.
Supreme Court Affirms Conviction for Qualified Rape by Father
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling affirming a father's conviction for qualified rape, detailing the elements, evidence, and penalties under Philippine law.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Cost Him the Bench
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Supreme Court Affirms Insurer's Subrogation Claim in Vehicular Accident Case
The Supreme Court affirms insurer's right to recover damages from negligent driver and vehicle owner in a quasi-delict case.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Ethical Standards for the Bench and Bar
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for an extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years, clarifying ethical standards.
Resignation VS Reinstatement When CAN A Government Employee Reverse Course
Can a government employee escape administrative liability by resigning or transferring? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in a recent ruling.
Voluntary Departure VS Forced Removal When Retirement Applications BAR Reinstatement Claims
When does an employee's retirement application bar a reinstatement claim? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary retirement and illegal dismissal.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutorial findings and the limits of a private complainant's right to appeal criminal case dismissals.
Loan Restructuring and Surety Obligations: Understanding Novation and Continuing Guarantees
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loan restructuring extinguishes a surety's obligation and the binding effect of continuing guarantees.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: Reassessing Importation Bans
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified prescription for cyber libel and the doctrinal weight of unsigned resolutions in Philippine law.
Upholding Transparency Competitive Bidding Mandate IN Power Supply Agreements
Supreme Court voids ERC's postponement of competitive selection for power supply agreements, protecting consumers from opaque electricity costs.
Procedural Missteps in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Notarial Case
A lawyer notarized a deed without commission, altering property rights. The Supreme Court's ruling teaches key lessons on notarial practice and property disputes.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Soliciting Money Violates Public Trust
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff who solicited and pocketed execution expenses from a litigant, ruling that grave misconduct and dishonesty warrant dismissal even for first-time offenders.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when resignation letters and quitclaims are invalid, protecting employees from forced resignations and illegal dismissal.
When Marital Duty and Psychological Capacity Collide: Understanding Annulment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies what psychological incapacity truly means under Article 36 of the Family Code, and why a loveless or forced marriage is not automatically void.
Libel and Damages: Balancing Free Speech and Reputation in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's Guy v. Tulfo ruling clarifies when journalists may be liable for libel and how courts compute damages for reputational harm.
SALN Violations and Government Ethics: Dishonesty vs Simple Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies when SALN omissions amount to dishonesty or mere simple negligence in San Diego v. Fact-Finding Investigation Committee.
Tax Refund Claims: Timely Filing and the Commissioner's Inaction
The Supreme Court clarifies when taxpayers may seek judicial tax refund claims despite the Commissioner's inaction, and the two-year prescriptive period.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21 chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Protects Against Wrongful Convictions
The Supreme Court rules that notarized deeds of sale enjoy a presumption of validity that only clear and convincing evidence can overcome.