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.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Breach of Trust Establishing Guilt in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a cashier's breach of confidence proves qualified theft, affirming reclusion perpetua for P640,353.86 misappropriation.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
Maceda Law Rights of Installment Buyers in Real Estate Contracts
The Supreme Court explains how the Maceda Law protects installment buyers, including the required cash surrender value before contract cancellation.
Pre-Trial Representation: When a Special Power of Attorney Is Required
Learn why the Supreme Court requires a Special Power of Attorney for pre-trial representation, and how lacking one can lead to default.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
False Designation of Origin: When "Made in Portugal" Labels Mislead Consumers
The Supreme Court's ruling in Uyco v. Lo clarifies when geographic labels on products constitute false designation of origin under Philippine trademark law.
Judicial Ethics: Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Payoffs in Landmark Philippine Ruling
Supreme Court dismisses deputy sheriff for accepting kickbacks from a newspaper publisher in exchange for judicial notice assignments, reaffirming strict ethics for court personnel.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.
Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Serious Misconduct: Due Process in Termination Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when employers may forfeit retirement benefits for serious misconduct and what due process requires in termination.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When a Public Facebook Post Leads to a Higher Penalty
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why using Facebook raises the penalty.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.
Serious Physical Injuries in the Philippines: The Pilares Case Explained
Understand serious physical injuries under Philippine law through the Pilares case, including penalties, evidence, and self-defense considerations.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Judicial Admissions in Philippine Courts: How Your Statements Can Decide Your Case
Learn how judicial admissions work in Philippine courts and why your statements in pleadings can bind you and decide your case.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Pre-Trial Stipulations Enforceability and Binding Effect on Parties
How stipulations made during pre-trial bind parties and the court, with rules on enforceability under Philippine procedure.
Bouncing Checks Law: The 90-Day Rule and Proof of Knowledge Under BP 22
Presenting a check after 90 days does not bar prosecution under BP 22—knowledge of insufficient funds can still be proven by other evidence.
When Domestic Disputes Turn Deadly: Understanding Parricide in Philippine Law
A look at parricide under Philippine law through the Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Cabug, explaining the crime, penalties, and evidentiary rules.
Pre-Trial Orders Control Your Case: The Tiu v. Middleton Rule on Witness Exclusion
Pre-trial orders bind trial proceedings. Learn from Tiu v. Middleton why unnamed witnesses may still testify and how to protect your case.
Palpable Mistakes in Stipulations: Correcting Factual Errors in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts may correct factual errors in stipulations when made through palpable mistake, as shown in Atlas Consolidated Mining v. CIR.