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.
Private Dealings, Public Trust: When Personal Conduct Creates Administrative Liability for Philippine Public O
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public official's private dealings can still trigger administrative liability, even if the act is unrelated to official duties.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Citizenship Disputes and Electoral Timelines: Gonzalez v. COMELEC on Disqualification Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between disqualification and cancellation of COC petitions, and the strict 25-day filing period under the election code.
When Is Employee Negligence Just Cause for Termination? A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal versus suspension, balancing employer rights and worker protection.
When Is a Nurse's Negligence Serious Misconduct? The Medical Center Manila Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a nurse's lapse amounts to gross negligence justifying dismissal, and when suspension is the proper penalty.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences of Undue Delay in Case Resolution
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judge liability for delayed case resolution, highlighting the 90-day rule and its impact on judicial integrity.
Proving Work-Related Illness in Seafarer Disability Claims: The Francisco Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable, emphasizing proof of work-relatedness beyond mere occurrence during employment.
When a Single Act of Negligence Is Not Enough: Illegal Dismissal and Separation Pay
A Supreme Court ruling explains why one isolated act of negligence may not justify dismissal, and when separation pay is due.
Local Government Officials and Legal Representation: Defining Government Instrumentalities
Supreme Court clarifies that government-owned or controlled corporations like NPC are "instrumentalities" under the Local Government Code, disqualifying sanggunian members from appearing as counsel ag
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Perjury Case of Verzano v. Paro
A prosecutor cannot presume probable cause simply because a respondent fails to file a counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court explains why.
Fresh Period Rule in Administrative Cases: Panolino v. Tajala Explained
When does the Neypes fresh period rule apply? The Supreme Court clarifies it does not govern DENR administrative appeals.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Upholding Possession Jurisdiction in Forcible Entry Cases and the Significance of Juridical Acts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on forcible entry jurisdiction, possession through juridical acts, and the one-year prescriptive period.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
When Court Personnel Face Misconduct: The Bengson Case on Private Dealings
Court employees must uphold integrity even in private deals. The Bengson case shows when misconduct applies.
Sharia Courts and Property Disputes: Concurrent Jurisdiction in Muslim Mindanao
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that Sharia District Courts share jurisdiction with regular courts over real property cases involving Muslims.
Private Contractors Can Be Held Liable Under the Anti-Graft Law for Conspiring With Public Officers
The Supreme Court affirms that private individuals who conspire with public officers in graft cases can be held liable under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Filling Sanggunian Vacancies: The Strict Rules on Party Nomination and Membership
Supreme Court clarifies that filling Sanggunian vacancies requires bona fide party membership and nomination from the highest party official.
Receivership as a Remedy: When Courts Can Appoint One Pending Litigation
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may appoint a receiver pending appeal, emphasizing that receivership is a harsh remedy reserved for extreme cases.
Preventive Suspension and the Three-Term Limit Rule: Aldovino v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that preventive suspension does not interrupt an elective official's term for purposes of the three-term limit rule.
Forum Shopping Rule: Defective Certification Dooms Appeal Before HLURB
A defective certification against forum shopping can prevent an appeal from being perfected, making the original decision final and executory.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains how circumstantial evidence can establish rape beyond reasonable doubt, even when the victim was unconscious during the assault.
Acquisitive Prescription: Proving Open, Continuous Possession for Land Registration
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves open, continuous possession for land registration under the Property Registration Decree.