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.
Customs Authority Prevails Jurisdiction Over Goods IN THE Subic Freeport Zone
Supreme Court affirms Bureau of Customs' exclusive jurisdiction over seizure cases in the Subic Freeport Zone.
When a Heated Argument Is Not "Fighting": A Philippine Labor Law Lesson on Just Cause Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fighting" as a just cause for dismissal requires physical combat, not mere verbal altercations.
Altered Checks and Bank Liability: Who Pays the Price of Forgery
When a bank clears an altered check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies liability rules in Areza v. Express Savings Bank.
Shared Intent, Shared Guilt: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Homicide Law
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy works in homicide cases—when one acts, all are liable, even without direct participation.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Crucial
The Supreme Court acquits two accused in a drug case for broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
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.
Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.
Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior
Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.
Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.
Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.
Tax Exemption and Franchise Rights: Philippine Airlines' Victory on Excise Taxes
The Supreme Court affirms PAL's excise tax exemption on commissary imports under PD 1590, explaining franchise tax rules.
Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.
The Weight of Silence: Accomplice Liability in Kidnapping for Ransom
When does silence and serving food make someone an accomplice to kidnapping for ransom? The Supreme Court explains.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of clerk of court who used judiciary funds for personal expenses, underscoring public trust.
Prescription Periods in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Clarifying the Statute of Limitations
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal claims prescribe in four years, not three, distinguishing backwages from ordinary money claims.
Labor Appeals: Failure to Serve Appeal Memorandum Is Not Jurisdictional
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to furnish the opposing party a copy of a labor appeal memorandum is only a formal lapse, not a jurisdictional defect.
Forged Signatures and Good Faith in Philippine Land Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, buyer good faith, and protecting land ownership rights.
Treble Costs Under Rule 65: When Courts May Penalize Frivolous Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that treble costs under Rule 65 are discretionary, requiring clear justification, not automatic penalties.
Diplomatic Discretion vs Human Rights: Executive Power in International Claims
The Supreme Court affirms that the executive branch holds exclusive discretion over espousing international claims, even for human rights violations like those of Filipino comfort women.
Habitual Absenteeism in Public Service: Upholding Efficiency and Accountability
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office is a public trust demanding efficiency and accountability.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects over broken chain of custody, stressing Section 21 compliance for seized evidence integrity.
Consignation Without Tender of Payment: A Cautionary Tale on Judicial Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judicial deposit requires prior tender of payment unless exceptions apply, in Del Carmen v. Sabordo.
Enforcing Final Judgments: Legal Interest and the Doctrine of Immutability
A look at how final judgments accrue legal interest and why the doctrine of immutability bars modification.
Attorney Suspended for Misrepresentation and Failure to Return Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for misrepresenting as immigration lawyer and failing to return P350,000 client funds.