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.
Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Says About Validity and Dismissal
Learn when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, and what the Supreme Court ruled in Tuppil v. LBP Service Corporation.
Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Dampilag Ruling on Impersonation
The Supreme Court affirms that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from service.
Understanding Conspiracy and Principal by Inducement in Philippine Parricide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and principal by inducement in parricide, ruling that a wife's words of command made her equally liable with the killer.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
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.
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.
Understanding the Time Limits for Executing Court Judgments in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for enforcing court judgments in the Philippines, including the rules on execution, revival, and important exceptions.
Judicial Decorum in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Judge Dajao's Vulgar Conduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for vulgar language and self-promotion, reaffirming strict standards of judicial decorum under Philippine law.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal When Preventive Suspension Becomes Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reduced work assignment is valid management prerogative and when a subsequent dismissal becomes illegal.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Plea Bargaining in Philippine Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court's Sayre Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining in drug cases: prosecutors' guidelines bind the prosecution, not the courts.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Property Disputes and Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers face discipline in property disputes, and the limits of self-help in possession cases.
Lawyer Discipline for Defamatory Language in Pleadings: Parks v. Atty. Misa
When a lawyer's counter-affidavit crossed the line from defense to defamation, the Supreme Court imposed discipline. Learn the limits of zealous advocacy.
Real Property Tax Disputes: Location, Titles, and Escrow When LGUs Compete
When two LGUs claim the same property for real estate tax, who gets paid? The Supreme Court's answer in Municipality of Cainta v. Spouses Braña.
When an Implied Lease Renewal Does Not Revive a Right of First Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an implied lease renewal does not automatically revive a lessee's right of first refusal.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why It Determines Conviction or Acquittal
The Supreme Court explains how strict compliance with the chain of custody rule under RA 9165 secures drug convictions.
Substantial Compliance on Belated Secretary's Certificate and Its Impact on Unlawful Detainer Cases
SC rules belated submission of Secretary's Certificate is substantial compliance, preventing dismissal of unlawful detainer cases on procedural grounds.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Matibag v. Dangerous Drugs Board: CES Eligibility and Security of Tenure Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that Career Service Executive Eligibility (CSEE) alone does not guarantee security of tenure in CES positions.