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 Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Understanding Share Redemption in Public Utilities: Insights from Philippine Legal Precedents
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on share redemption in public utilities, examining PLDT's preferred share buyback and its legal implications.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
When Corporate Veil Piercing Fails: Renewal Commissions After Agent Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a terminated insurance agent can claim commissions and when the alter ego doctrine applies to affiliated companies.
Corporate Veil and Employment Contracts: When Are Companies Considered One Entity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil and whether interlocking officers make companies one entity.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Protection Orders and Adult Children: The Estacio v. Estacio Ruling on RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies that protection orders under RA 9262 can include adult children used as tools of coercion or harassment.
Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment Insights From A Landmark Philippine Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of workplace sexual harassment under RA 7877, emphasizing abuse of power by superiors over subordinates.
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 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.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: Insights from Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Pascual v. Sitel Philippines Corporation.
Lawyer Misconduct: The Consequences of Filing Baseless Lawsuits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for filing baseless suits to harass an opposing party—a lesson on the limits of a lawyer's zeal.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Substantial Evidence in Labor Dismissals: When the Supreme Court Steps In
Explore when the Supreme Court reviews factual findings in labor cases, and how substantial evidence supports valid employee dismissal.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Presidential Immunity Shielding THE Chief Executive From Suit During Tenure
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that a sitting President enjoys immunity from suit, including habeas data petitions, during tenure.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.
Double Jeopardy in Administrative Cases: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Affirmed
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against Atty. Salva, ruling that prior administrative penalty bars re-litigation of the same charges.
Misrepresenting MCLE Compliance: Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Three Years
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for three years for falsely claiming MCLE exemptions in court pleadings, reinforcing ethical duties.
Good Faith Prevails Reassessing Liability in Disallowed Government Benefits
A lawyer's good faith in claiming disallowed benefits shields him from liability, but procedural lapses still draw sanctions.
Dismissal for Immoral Conduct: Upholding Decency in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for exposing himself to a janitress, ruling it disgraceful and immoral conduct—a second offense warranting the severest penalty.
Counterclaims in Libel Cases: Compulsory vs Permissive Claims Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when counterclaims in libel suits are compulsory or permissive, and the procedural requirements that follow.