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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Supreme Court Upholds Conviction for Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying the elements of both crimes and the penalties imposed.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Untimely Filing: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
A three-day delay doomed a petition in a labor case, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the 60-day
Tightening the Reins: Fraud Allegations and Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud justifies a writ of preliminary attachment, requiring particularized allegations, not mere conclusions.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employment Disputes Within Corporate Structures
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts and tribunals have jurisdiction when employment claims and intra-corporate disputes overlap in one case.
Corporate Asset Transfers: When Does a Buyer Inherit the Seller's Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation buying all assets of another also inherits its liabilities, under Section 40.
Upholding Contractual Obligations and Government Accountability in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court ruling on SM Land v. BCDA clarifies government accountability in PPPs and the binding effect of contractual commitments.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Witness Testimony and the Defense of Denial
The Supreme Court affirmed a rape conviction, ruling that the trial court's assessment of witness credibility prevails over the accused's weak defenses of denial and alibi.
Upholding Land Title Security: The Burden of Proof in Free Patent Fraud Cases
A free patent title stands unless fraud is proven with clear and convincing evidence. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on reversion and burden of proof.
Bank Liability for Unauthorized Joint Account Termination: BPI v. Fernandez
Supreme Court holds banks liable for releasing joint AND/OR account funds without required certificates, citing bad faith and breach of fiduciary duty.
Unlawful Arrests and Admissibility of Evidence: Protecting Constitutional Rights in Drug Cases
When a warrantless arrest is invalid, evidence seized from the accused becomes inadmissible. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
When Force in Rape by Sexual Assault Is Proven: Carrera v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a rape by sexual assault conviction, clarifying how force and lack of voluntariness are established.
Breach of Trust: How a Messenger's Betrayal Led to Convictions for Carnapping and Qualified Theft
A messenger who vanished with his employer's money and motorcycle was convicted of carnapping and qualified theft. The Supreme Court explains why.
Maysilo Estate Dispute Upholding Torrens System Integrity IN Land Title Conflicts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility in unlawful detainer cases, protecting registered owners from collateral attacks.
Torrens Title vs Mortgage Resolving Property Possession Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on which Torrens title prevails when property claims overlap, tracing validity to the mother title.
Dismissal of Case: Navigating Forum Shopping and Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes
What happens when two property cases are filed separately? The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping, consolidation, and indispensable parties.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Boundary Disputes and Ejectment: Clarifying the Proper Legal Action in Philippine Property Law
When a property conflict involves boundary lines, ejectment is not the right remedy. Learn what action to file.
Search Warrants and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What the Posada Ruling Teaches
The Supreme Court upholds drug convictions, clarifying search warrant validity, chain of custody rules, and constitutional safeguards under RA 9165.
When a Rape Victim's Testimony Alone Can Convict: The Carrera Case
The Supreme Court affirms that a credible rape victim's testimony, even without corroborating physical evidence, can establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Injunctions Against POEA Orders: Balancing Agency Authority and Judicial Review
When can courts enjoin POEA orders? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of agency authority and judicial power in Principalia.
Breach of Contract: Upholding Banks' Right to Set Off Loans Against Deposits
Supreme Court rules banks may set off deposits against unpaid loans when valid hold-out agreements exist, reversing lower court rulings.
Demotion Reversal: Salary Differentials Despite Retrenchment and Retirement
Philippine Airlines v. Bichara clarifies that a final judgment on illegal demotion entitles an employee to salary differentials, even after retrenchment and retirement.