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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Establishing Tenancy Requires Concrete Evidence: Landowner Rights Upheld
Supreme Court rules tenancy cannot be presumed; claimants must prove all elements with substantial evidence, not mere certifications.
Upholding Attorney Integrity: Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Requires Substantial Evidence of Malice
Disbarment requires substantial evidence of malice, not mere speculation. The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Santiago v. Santiago.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Disbarment Complaint Dismissed for Insufficient Evidence: The Burden of Proof in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint against Atty. Johan Tabuzo, ruling that complainants must present substantial evidence, not just self-serving affidavits.
Work-Related Stroke: Supreme Court Upholds Employees' Compensation Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a worker's stroke can be compensable under Philippine law, using substantial evidence and probability.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring willful breach proven by substantial evidence.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Establishing Work-Relatedness
The Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of illness or injury by substantial evidence to receive disability benefits.
Judicial Review in Illegal Dismissal: Balancing Labor Rights and Employer Prerogatives
The Supreme Court clarifies the CA's power to review NLRC factual findings in illegal dismissal cases, emphasizing substantial evidence over technicalities.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Why Substantial Evidence and the 3-Day Medical Exam Rule Matter
A Supreme Court ruling explains why seafarers must comply with the mandatory post-employment medical exam and prove work-related illness with substantial evidence.
Burden of Proof in Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work-relatedness of non-listed illnesses with substantial evidence, not just rely on disputable presumption.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Serious Misconduct in Philippine Labor Law: Balancing Discipline and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies what constitutes serious misconduct justifying employee discipline, requiring substantial evidence and due process.
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: Impartiality and Fair Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies due process requirements in administrative cases, emphasizing substantial evidence and the right to an impartial tribunal.
Public Service Accountability and the Need to Substantiate Dishonesty Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that while public officials may be disciplined for private acts of dishonesty, charges must be supported by substantial evidence.
Sheriffs Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN Public Office AND Private Dealings
A Supreme Court ruling on dishonesty in public office, the weight of substantial evidence, and why retirement does not end administrative liability.
When Post-Employment Death Isn't Necessarily Non-Compensable: Establishing Causation in Seafarer Benefit Claim
A seafarer's death after repatriation may be compensable, but only with substantial evidence of work-related causation, not mere presumption.
Upholding Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Standard of Substantial Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability requires substantial evidence of wrongdoing, not mere presumption or opportunity to commit an offense.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Understanding the Limits of Amparo and Habeas Data Petitions in the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when amparo and habeas data writs may be granted, emphasizing substantial evidence over mere fears.
Balancing Security and Liberty: Substantial Evidence in Amparo and Habeas Data Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for amparo and habeas data petitions, balancing national security concerns with individual liberty.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Why Photocopies and Hearsay Don't Suffice
Learn how Philippine courts treat photocopies and hearsay in administrative cases, and why substantial evidence remains the standard.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: Company Doctor's Assessment Prevails Without Substantial Evidence
Supreme Court rules seafarer's brief psychotic disorder not work-related; company-designated physician's assessment prevails absent substantial evidence of work causation.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases: Documentary Evidence vs Simple Denial
In illegal dismissal cases, the employer bears the burden of proving valid termination with substantial evidence—not the employee.
Public Trust Dismissal for Grave Misconduct in Extortion Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of BIR examiner for grave misconduct in extortion, clarifying substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.