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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Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Age Requirements for Public Office: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court nullified a Jurisconsult's appointment for failing the statutory age requirement, underscoring that eligibility must exist at the time of appointment.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
When Mortgagees May Renew Insurance on Chattel Mortgages: Servicewide Specialists v. Trinidad
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee may renew insurance on a chattel and apply installment payments to premiums without notice.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Chattel Mortgage Insurance: When Lenders Must Notify Borrowers of Premium Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on chattel mortgage insurance renewals, lender obligations, and borrower notice requirements in installment payments.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Workplace Misconduct: When Court Employees Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's misconduct, discourtesy, and threats in the workplace, setting standards for judicial personnel behavior.
Buy-Bust Operations and Illegal Firearm Possession: Key Rules from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn the legal rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and illegal firearm possession from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court decision.
Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
Res Judicata in Land Cases: When a Prior Denial Does Not Bar a New Claim
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior land registration denial bars a new claim, and when changed legal bases allow a fresh application.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Labor Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, constructive dismissal, and employee rights in labor disputes explained in plain language.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Who Must Prove What
Learn who bears the burden of proof in labor cases—especially on payment of wages and employer-employee relationship—from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Highway Robbery vs Simple Robbery: Distinguishing the Elements and Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery on a highway is highway robbery under P.D. 532, and when it is only simple robbery.
Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.
Liquidated Damages in Lease Agreements: Enforceability and Practical Implications
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when liquidated damages in lease contracts are enforceable and how courts treat penalty clauses.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Does It Warrant Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dishonesty justifies dismissal versus when a lesser penalty like separation pay is proper.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage: Passenger Rights and Carrier Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for lost luggage, passenger rights, and when carriers lose liability limits.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Philippine Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, explaining the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why force or intimidation is judged from the victim's perspective.
Judicial Accountability: Why Courts Must Follow Procedure in Capital Cases
Philippine Supreme Court annuls death sentence in rape case, reminding trial courts that guilty pleas in capital offenses require full evidentiary proof.
Unregistered Land Rights Trump Mortgages: Due Diligence for Banks in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on State Investment House v. CA: banks must inspect property beyond Torrens title or risk losing to unregistered buyers.