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.
Falsifying Time Records and Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court disciplines court personnel for falsified DTRs and habitual absenteeism, reaffirming strict ethical standards in the judiciary.
Varicose Veins and Workers' Compensation: Proving the Link Between Work and Illness
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in GSIS v. Tañedo on when varicose veins qualify for compensation under PD 626.
Prompt Case Raffle Is a Judge's Duty: Lessons from a Simple Neglect Case
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delaying case raffles violates A.M. No. 03-8-02-SC and constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Workplace Conduct: Upholding Decorum Among Court Employees in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reminds court personnel that professionalism and decorum are non-negotiable, fining two employees for a workplace altercation.
Judicial Misconduct When Ex Parte Orders Exceed Legal Boundaries
The Supreme Court held a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing an ex parte TPO that improperly awarded child custody.
VAT Refund for Tourists Upheld: Why the Supreme Court Found No Equal Protection Violation
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection and uniform taxation.
When an Employer Fails to Provide Work: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an employer's failure to give work assignments amounts to illegal constructive dismissal, and what workers must prove.
When Judges Fall Short: Accountability, Mediation Rules, and Court Personnel Duties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, proper mediation referral, and the limits of delegating court personnel duties.
Simulated Contracts: When Property Transfers Are Void in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a simulated contract is void, not merely rescissible, using a P50-million property assignment case.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
Bank Manager's Acquittal in Graft Case Does Not Erase Civil Liability for Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that acquittal in a criminal graft case does not automatically absolve a bank manager from civil liability for negligence.
Certiorari Filing Deadlines: The 60-Day Rule and Grave Abuse of Discretion
A dismissed employee's appeal was wrongly rejected by the Court of Appeals before the 60-day certiorari period lapsed—what this means for litigants.
Faulty Notarization Foils Contract Cancellation: Buyer Entitled to Refund Under Maceda Law
When a developer's notice of cancellation fails notarial requirements, the contract remains valid and the buyer may claim refunds under the Maceda Law.
Clerk of Court Liable for Simple Neglect of Duty Over Lost Firearm Exhibits
The Supreme Court holds a clerk of court guilty of simple neglect for losing firearm exhibits kept beyond case termination, explaining duties under Rule 136.
Protecting Contractors: Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances in Government Projects
Supreme Court clarifies when contractors may recover from void government contracts under quantum meruit, and the limits of COA's audit powers.
Withholding Tax Obligations: When Final Withholding Tax Becomes Due
Learn when final withholding tax obligations arise under Philippine tax law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on interest payments.
Judicial Misconduct When Solemnizing Marriages Goes Wrong
Two judges fined P40,000 each for sham wedding solemnization. Learn the rules on judicial marriage officiation.
Dishonesty in Judicial Applications: When a Judge's False PDS Ends a Career
A judge's failure to disclose pending cases in her Personal Data Sheet led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
Partnership vs Estafa: When a Partner's Misappropriation Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when a partner's failure to account for funds crosses from civil liability to criminal estafa under Philippine law.
Chain of Custody and the Integrity of Drug Evidence: Safeguarding Against Tampering
When only a miniscule amount of drugs is seized, strict chain of custody compliance is required. The Supreme Court explains why.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Proving Work-Relatedness and Compensability
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between work-relatedness and compensability in seafarers' disability claims under the 2000 POEA-SEC.
Breach of Contract: Defining Scope of Work and Assessing Damages in Construction Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to define scope of work and compute damages when a contractor breaches a construction agreement.
Barangay Conciliation Residency Requirements FOR Filing Court Cases IN THE Philippines
Understand the residency requirements for barangay conciliation before filing court cases in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff's Duty to Properly Handle and Liquidate Funds in Court-Ordered Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must deposit execution expenses with the Clerk of Court, not receive direct payments.