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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Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Assignment of Receivables and Bank Liability: The Chin Kong Wong Choi v. UCPB Ruling
When a bank buys receivables from a developer, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Upholding Employers Right TO Discipline Dishonesty AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court rules that a nurse’s theft of hospital supplies is just cause for dismissal, reaffirming management prerogative to discipline dishonest employees.
Negligence and Maritime Law: Res Ipsa Loquitur in Cargo Handling Disputes
When a hidden metal bar in a ship's cargo hold damages an arrastre operator's unloader, who pays? The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur.
Quieting of Title: Courts Cannot Consider Outside Evidence in Determining Cause of Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that in resolving a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action, courts must look only at the complaint's allegations.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Indispensable Parties in Partition Suits: Ensuring Complete Justice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be joined in partition actions and why dismissal is the wrong remedy for non-joinder.
Land Registration Requires Impeccable Proof of Alienability
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration judgment where applicants failed to present documentary proof that the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Integrity of Seized Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court explains why lapses in drug evidence custody are not automatically fatal, as long as the item's integrity is preserved.
The Doctor's Dilemma: Hospital Liability in Medical Negligence Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on medical negligence, physician-patient duty, and hospital solidary liability under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
Breach of Marital Vows: Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage Justified
A lawyer who contracts a second marriage while his first remains valid commits gross immorality warranting disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of HLURB Decisions and Strict Appeal Periods
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that HLURB decisions become final if appeals to the Office of the President are filed late, even by a few days.
When a Sale Is Really a Sale: Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell in Ejectment
A deed called "conditional" may still be an absolute sale. The Supreme Court explains when ownership passes, and why the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Owner's Duplicate and ROD Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost owner's duplicate title and ROD certifications suffice for judicial reconstitution of a transfer certificate of title.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Due Process and Party Rights in Contractual Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies due process and party rights in compromise agreements within contractual disputes.
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Authority Over Public Officials Affirmed by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s power to directly impose administrative penalties, not just recommend them, on erring public officials.
Intoxication and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Rape in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when intoxication negates consent in rape cases, explaining the elements of rape and the burden of proof.
Law Firms and Conflict of Interest: Upholding Client Loyalty and Confidentiality
The Supreme Court holds law firms liable for conflict of interest when one lawyer takes a case against a former client of the firm.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Expropriation: When Legal Interest and Consequential Damages Are Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest and consequential damages apply in expropriation cases, and who pays transfer taxes.