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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Loss of Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: When Employers Cannot Use It as a Subterfuge
The Supreme Court clarifies that loss of confidence cannot be simulated or used as a subterfuge to justify an illegal dismissal.
Protecting Minors Conviction Upheld IN Child Abuse AND Qualified Rape Case
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Cases: The Need for Clear Identification of Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in drug cases, the identity of the seized item must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, not just presumed.
Quieting Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Lessons from Guntalilib v. Dela Cruz
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting-of-title action is actually an annulment of title, and why substance prevails over form.
Quieting of Title vs. Annulment of Title: Key Supreme Court Ruling on Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a quieting of title action is actually an annulment of title, and why the substance of a complaint matters.
Direct Testimony vs Expert Opinion in Property Disputes: The Ambray Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony outweighs expert opinion in proving forgery in property disputes.
Forfeiture Clauses Balancing Employer Protection AND Employee Rights IN Commission Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commission forfeiture clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable.
When Direct Testimony Outweighs Forgery Claims in Philippine Land Sales
Supreme Court ruling on how direct testimony of a witness can overcome forgery allegations in a disputed land sale.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Freedom of Expression vs. Election Rules: The Diocese of Bacolod Tarpaulin Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a church tarpaulin on the RH Law was not election propaganda, protecting citizen speech during elections.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Ejectment After Contract to Sell Rescission: Demand to Pay Not Required
Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment suits after a rescinded contract to sell do not require a prior demand to pay, only a demand to vacate.
The Right to Intervene: Protecting Ownership in Criminal Proceedings
When can a property owner intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention under Rule 19.
Intervention in Criminal Cases: Protecting Property Rights of Third Parties
When may a third party intervene in a criminal case? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on intervention and legal interest.
Security of Tenure in Career Executive Service: Rank Appointment Is Essential
Supreme Court clarifies that Career Executive Service officers hold security of tenure only in their rank, not in specific positions.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Uneasy Weight of Recanted Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite the victim's affidavit of desistance, explaining why recanted testimony is viewed with suspicion.
Counsel's Negligence in Appeals: When a Client Is Bound by a Lawyer's Lapses
A missed deadline for an appellant's brief can end an appeal. Philippine Supreme Court explains when clients are bound by counsel's negligence.
Security of Tenure Limited to Rank, Not Position, in the Career Executive Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service attaches to rank, not to a specific position, allowing reassignments without violating constitutional guarantees.
Dismissal Due to Failure to Present Corpus Delicti: Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to preserve corpus delicti in drug cases.
Ejectment Actions Beyond Lease Agreements: The Contract to Sell Rule in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that ejectment cases cover contract to sell violations, not just lease agreements or forcible entry.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Procedural Lapses Lead to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, explaining strict Section 21 requirements.
Subrogation and Compensation When Payment of Another's Debt Extinguishes Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal subrogation and compensation when a business buyer pays the seller's unpaid bills.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Denial in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction of Judge Velasco's killer, ruling that the victim's wife's positive identification prevails over alibi and denial.