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.
Principals Liability FOR Contractors Wage Violations KEY Protections FOR Workers IN THE Philippines
When can a principal be held liable for a security agency's failure to pay minimum wage? The Supreme Court explains joint and solidary liability under Philippine law.
Motion for Reconsideration: Why a Notice of Hearing Is Crucial in Philippine Courts
A motion for reconsideration without a notice of hearing is pro forma and will not stop the appeal period. Learn the rule and the De la Peña case.
Withdrawing A Guilty Plea: Navigating the Consequences in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn when a guilty plea can be withdrawn in Philippine courts, its mitigating effects, and how aggravating circumstances must still be proven.
Withdrawing a Criminal Appeal in the Philippines: Rights and Limits After Conviction
Can a convicted person withdraw a criminal appeal in the Philippines? People v. Redulosa explains the right, limits, and consequences.
Judicial Recusal: Understanding Bias and Impartiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must inhibit and why late motions to disqualify are frowned upon.
Extrajudicial Foreclosure Venue: Why Judges Must Follow Act 3135, Not the Rules of Court
A judge's fine for gross ignorance of the law clarifies that extrajudicial foreclosure venue follows Act 3135, not general venue rules.
Quantum Meruit: When a Contractor Can Recover Payment Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment on a quantum meruit basis even without a written contract.
Why Delayed Election Protests Violate Judicial Duty: Lessons from A.M. No. MTJ-95-1033
A judge's 19-month delay in resolving a barangay election protest was ruled gross inefficiency. Learn the mandatory deadlines and standards.
Navigating Buy-Bust Operations: Ensuring Due Process and Avoiding Wrongful Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts scrutinize buy-bust operations to protect the accused's rights and prevent wrongful convictions in drug cases.
Retrenchment in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs Legally
Understand the legal requirements for valid retrenchment in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guerrero v. NLRC.
Sheriffs’ Duty to Promptly Execute Writs and Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court holds deputy sheriff liable for delay in executing writs and filing returns, imposing two-month suspension.
Appeal Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases: When Can They Be Reduced
Learn when Philippine courts may reduce appeal bonds in labor cases, the rules on perfecting appeals, and practical tips for compliance.
Judge's Authority in Marriage Solemnization: Jurisdiction and Validity Rules
Learn the jurisdictional limits of judges solemnizing marriages in the Philippines and the mandatory presumptive death proceeding under the Family Code.
Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
Accretion vs Reclamation: Understanding Land Ownership Rights in the Philippines
Philippine law distinguishes accretion from reclamation for land ownership. Learn the rules, burdens, and practical implications.
Clerks of Court Responsibilities Liabilities and Breaches of Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on the dismissal of a clerk of court who failed to remit Judiciary Development Fund collections, and the duties of court cash custodians.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Filling Vacancies in Local Government: A Guide to Appointments in the Philippines
Who appoints replacements for vacant local council seats? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules under the Local Government Code.
Return-to-Work Orders in Philippine Labor Disputes: What Marcopper Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when employers may refuse to accept workers who defy a return-to-work order under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code.
Termination of School Administrators: Qualification Standards and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when schools may terminate administrators for lacking qualifications, and the due process required.
Judicial Delay Consequences for Judges and the Right to a Speedy Trial in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on judge liability for trial delays and the constitutional right to speedy trial in the Philippines.