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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Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion: Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges for lack of probable cause, underscoring the limits of judicial review over prosecutorial discretion.
Illegal Dismissal: Computing Separation Pay and Backwages Using Gross Monthly Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute separation pay and backwages for illegally dismissed employees, using gross monthly pay, inclusive of allowances and benefits.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may impose successive preventive suspensions and the rules on appeal bonds in labor cases.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Solidary Liability of Principal and Contractor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, control test, and solidary liability for illegal dismissal under the Labor Code.
Double Jeopardy and Civil Liability When Acquittal Does Not Erase Debt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double jeopardy, finality of acquittal, and civil liability in estafa cases.
Permanent Total Disability for Seafarers: The 120-Day Rule and POEA-SEC Entitlement
When does a seafarer's disability become permanent and total? The Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC compensation in Island Overseas Transport v. Beja.
Dishonesty as Just Cause for Dismissal: Lessons from the Smart Communications Case
When a department head approved fictitious marketing projects and fake agencies, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Perfecting Joint Venture Agreements Consent Object AND Cause IN Philippine contract LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, joint and several liability, and procedural due process in illegal dismissal cases.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment vs illegal dismissal in labor-only contracting cases involving security guards and agency-hired workers.
Kidnapping With Rape: Intent Proven by Unlawful Taking of a Child
The Supreme Court affirms that taking a child without parental consent establishes intent to deprive liberty, convicting the offender of kidnapping with rape.
Filing the Right Case: Why Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction Matters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why cancellation of CLOAs involving non-tenants belongs to the DAR Secretary, not the DARAB.
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.
No Illegal Dismissal, No Separation Pay: Reassessing Employee Entitlements in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status becomes constructive dismissal and how quitclaims affect employee claims.
Procedural Lapses vs Substantial Justice: When Courts Must Look Beyond Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural rules bind litigants strictly and when courts may relax them in the interest of substantial justice.
Who Hears CLOA Cancellation Cases? The DAR Secretary, Not DARAB, Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that DARAB lacks jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases without tenurial disputes; the DAR Secretary decides.
Simple Slander Conviction Upheld: Public Accusation of Theft and Malice
The Supreme Court affirms a Simple Slander conviction for publicly accusing someone of theft, explaining the elements, malice presumption, and penalties.
Rescission Rights When A Compromise Agreement Fails to Protect Labor Rights in the Philippines
When can workers rescind a compromise agreement? The Supreme Court clarifies rights under Article 2041 of the Civil Code.
Bail and Judicial Discretion: Limits in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may grant bail in capital offenses and the limits of judicial discretion in criminal cases.
Mortgages on Land Reform Properties: Balancing Bank Rights and Agrarian Justice
When land reform and bank mortgages collide, who gets the just compensation? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Upholding Ethical Standards: An Attorney's Duty to Avoid Delaying Tactics in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for three months for employing dilatory tactics, reaffirming the duty to avoid delaying legal proceedings.
Buy-Bust Operations: Convictions Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses in Drug Seizures
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions despite procedural lapses, ruling that substantial compliance with Section 21 preserves evidence integrity.
Assignment of Mortgage and BSP’s Foreclosure Authority Hinges on Valid Deed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a bank may foreclose a mortgage assigned to it, requiring a valid deed of assignment.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Crucial Element of Deliberate Intent
Sudden attacks do not always amount to treachery. The Supreme Court explains when deliberate intent is required.
Guardian Convicted of Qualified Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Against Minor
Supreme Court affirms conviction of a guardian for qualified rape of his 11-year-old ward, explaining key rules on statutory rape, delay in reporting, and damages.