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.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
Navigating Tax Penalties: Understanding the Supreme Court's Ruling on Late Filing and Surcharges
A clear guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on tax penalties, late filing, and surcharges under Philippine tax law.
Understanding Vicarious Liability: When Employers Answer for Employee Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling explains when employers are solidarily liable for employee negligence under Philippine law, using a fatal tricycle accident as the key example.
Understanding Death Benefits in Seafarer Contracts: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits are payable under domestic seafarer contracts, and what heirs should do when a contract is silent.
Understanding Negligent Malversation: Protecting Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define negligent malversation of public funds, the elements of the crime, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Contempt of Court and the Consequences of Repeated Legal Harassment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize grave misconduct by judicial employees, including dismissal and forfeiture of benefits, to protect the integrity of the justice system.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Illegal Firearm Discharge in the Workplace
A Supreme Court employee was dismissed for firing a gun inside Court premises. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and workplace discipline.
Understanding Bad Faith in Property Encroachment: Rights and Responsibilities
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a builder is in bad faith in property encroachment cases, and what remedies a landowner has under Philippine law.
Understanding Judicial Clemency and Retirement Benefits for Dismissed Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed judges may receive retirement benefits through judicial clemency, using the Arceo case as a guide.
Understanding Disbarment in the Philippines: Identity Fraud and Professional Misconduct Consequences
A look at how the Supreme Court handles disbarment cases involving identity fraud and grave misconduct by lawyers in the Philippines.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Understanding the Time Limits for Executing Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for enforcing court judgments in the Philippines, including the rules on execution, revival, and important exceptions.
Understanding Incestuous Rape Standards and Victim Credibility in Philippine Courts
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies legal standards for incestuous rape and how courts assess victim credibility in such cases.
Understanding Probable Cause in Public Procurement: Insights from a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in public procurement cases, emphasizing that mere signature on documents does not prove bad faith.
Understanding Writs of Preliminary Attachment, Fraud, and Mootness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a writ of preliminary attachment based on fraud becomes moot and barred by res judicata.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Understanding Procedural Missteps in Philippine Legal Appeals: The Gallego Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed in favor of substantive justice, especially in illegal dismissal cases.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal When Preventive Suspension Becomes Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reduced work assignment is valid management prerogative and when a subsequent dismissal becomes illegal.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Understanding the POEA-SEC Claims Process
A look at how the Supreme Court applies the POEA-SEC's strict procedural rules in seafarer disability and monetary claims.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Understanding Arbitrary Detention and Murder: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains when police detention becomes arbitrary detention and murder, and how complex crimes are charged.
Understanding Dismissal for Non-Prosecution Implications for Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that construction-related property damage claims belong in regular courts, not CIAC arbitration.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Property Disputes and Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers face discipline in property disputes, and the limits of self-help in possession cases.