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.
CBA Scholarship Benefits Resolving Ambiguities IN Favor OF Labor
Security agency loses bid to exempt receivables from garnishment; Court applies labor-friendly rule on execution exemptions.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
When Redundancy Becomes Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from Lopez Sugar Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies when a redundancy program is a valid management prerogative and when it becomes an illegal dismissal.
Verbal Promises vs Corporate Authority: Enforceability of Employment Benefits in the Philippines
When can a verbal promise by a corporate officer bind the company? The Supreme Court explains the limits of corporate authority over employment benefits.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Suspension for Unauthorized Absences: Accountability in the Judiciary
Supreme Court suspends employee for six months and one day for unauthorized absences, underscoring strict accountability standards in the judiciary.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Service by Publication in the Philippines: Strict Rules for Valid Summons
Learn the strict requirements for valid service of summons by publication in the Philippines, and why procedural lapses can void court judgments.
Self-Defense in Homicide Cases: Proving Justification in the Philippines
When claiming self-defense in Philippine homicide cases, the accused bears the burden of proving all elements by clear and convincing evidence. Learn the rules.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Liability for Unfounded Accusations: Upholding Personal Dignity in Theft Investigations
When a theft suspect is publicly accused without proof, Philippine law on human relations may award moral damages.
Forged Signatures and Bank Liability: Protecting Depositors in Check Transactions
When a bank pays out on a forged check, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on bank liability under Philippine law.
Judicial Immunity Shielding Judges From Baseless Administrative Complaints
When can judges be disciplined for erroneous rulings? The Supreme Court clarifies judicial immunity and the limits of administrative complaints.
When Civil Cases Don't Justify Travel Bans: The Limits of Hold Departure Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that hold departure orders may only be issued in criminal cases, not civil disputes like support cases.
Second Chances Denied: The High Cost of Procedural Missteps in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why "honest mistake" rarely justifies a new trial—and why procedural deadlines and rules are strictly enforced.
Disqualification After Election: Why the Second Placer Does Not Win and a Special Election Is the Remedy
When a winning candidate is disqualified after the election, the second placer cannot be declared the winner. A special election is the proper remedy, as explained in Ocampo v. HRET.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short of Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when circumstantial evidence suffices for conviction in estafa cases, examining the limits of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Clear Terms In Waiver Agreements
The Supreme Court enforces the plain terms of a waiver agreement, ruling that clear contractual stipulations prevail over claims of unexpressed intent.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Retaliation in Homicide Cases
Understand when self-defense claims fail in Philippine homicide cases, focusing on unlawful aggression and retaliation requirements.
Buy-Bust Operations Validity and the Principle of Entrapment in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when buy-bust operations are valid and how entrapment differs from instigation in drug cases.
Failure of Election Petitions: COMELEC Discretion and the Evidentiary Bar
The Supreme Court clarifies when failure of election may be declared, and why mere allegations without evidence will not suffice.