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.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent to Rob Must Precede the Killing
The Supreme Court clarifies that robbery with homicide requires intent to rob before the killing; otherwise, only homicide may be proven.
When a Trial Court Loses Jurisdiction: Double Jeopardy and Void Orders in Quiambao v. People
The Supreme Court explains when a dismissal order is void for lack of jurisdiction and why double jeopardy does not attach to a null judgment.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Balancing Housing Rights and Public Interest in Philippine Eviction Law
Supreme Court clarifies when evictions without court orders are allowed under RA 7279, and why procedural rules matter in constitutional challenges.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Novation vs Alternative Obligations: Clearing the Confusion in Contract Law
When does a new agreement extinguish an old debt? The Supreme Court clarifies novation versus alternative obligations in this contract law case.
Inconsistent Positions and Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers From Deception
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies and their officers solidarily liable for overseas workers' claims, rejecting inconsistent defenses as deception.
Ill-Gotten Wealth, Close Association with Marcoses, and Asset Recovery: A Legal Primer
Learn how Philippine courts define "ill-gotten wealth," prove close association with the Marcoses, and recover assets under sequestration laws.
Finality of Judgment and the Fresh Period Rule: Timely Appeals in Philippine Civil Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the fresh period rule and finality of judgment principles in Eserjose v. Allied Banking Corporation.
Indispensable Parties Protecting Lienholder Rights IN Property Disputes
When the government takes private land for public use, it must pay just compensation—even if the owner once reserved the lot for road widening.
Attachment Liens Priority AND Protection IN Real Property Disputes
A prior attachment lien survives title cancellation and transfers, binding the property and subsequent purchasers until the debt is paid.
Surety Bonds Survive Debt Extension: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Article 2079
Extension of a principal's debt without a surety's consent does not automatically extinguish surety bonds, per the Supreme Court.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
The Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian courts must apply Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR AO 5-98 when fixing just compensation for expropriated land.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Police Power vs. Eminent Domain in Business Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain, in Manila Memorial Park v. DSWD.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Mercy and Public Trust in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court denies a former judge's plea for judicial clemency, reaffirming that remorse and reformation must be proven, not merely claimed.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: What Judges Must Prove to Return to the Bench
Philippine Supreme Court denies former judge's plea for judicial clemency, clarifying the strict requirements for reformation and remorse.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
GMA Network v. Pabriga clarifies when broadcast technicians are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not project workers.
Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accidents: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence, vicarious liability, and insurer subrogation in Philippine vehicular accident claims.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.