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.
Illegal Dismissal of Pregnant Employee: SPID Corp. v. Ballesteros Explained
The Supreme Court affirmed that dismissing a pregnant employee without substantial evidence is illegal, reinforcing due process in Philippine labor law.
Challenging Land Titles: Jurisdiction and Collateral Attacks Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may hear challenges to land titles, and when such actions amount to prohibited collateral attacks.
Tax Liens vs Judgment Credits: Priority Disputes in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when a tax lien beats a judgment creditor's levy on real property under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Undue Influence and the Anti-Graft Act: Protecting Public Officers From Unsubstantiated Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Good Faith and the Anti-Graft Law: When an Honest Mistake Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court clarifies that violating procurement rules alone does not prove graft—corrupt intent must be shown beyond reasonable doubt.
Acquittal in Anti-Graft Case: Honest Mistake vs Corrupt Intent in Procurement
Supreme Court acquits mayors in anti-graft case, ruling that procurement violations without corrupt intent do not constitute Section 3(e) offenses.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: What Santos-Macabata Teaches Us
The Supreme Court clarifies the high burden of proof for nullifying marriage on grounds of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Reclaimed Lands and Constitutional Limits: The Central Bay Case on Corporate Land Ownership
The Supreme Court voids a compromise agreement transferring reclaimed land to a private corporation's assignee, upholding constitutional bans on corporate land ownership.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Issuing Worthless Checks and Neglecting Professional Duties
A lawyer who issued bounced checks for decades-old debts and ignored disciplinary orders was suspended for five years and fined P10,000.
Tax Collection Prescription: CIR's Collection Efforts Barred by Three-Year Period
Supreme Court affirms CTA ruling that the CIR's right to collect deficiency taxes prescribed after three years from assessment notice.
Challenging Labor Only Contracting: Regular Employment Rights Affirmed
Supreme Court affirms that DOLE registration alone does not prove legitimate job contracting; workers performing principal business tasks are regular employees.
Graft Acquittal: Why Procurement Lapses Alone Do Not Prove Corruption
Supreme Court acquits municipal officials of graft despite procurement lapses, clarifying the strict proof required under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Key Lessons from ABS-CBN v. Magno
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims and the fine line between forced and voluntary resignation.
Agrarian Reform vs Bank Foreclosure: Protecting Farmer Beneficiaries' Land Rights
Supreme Court voids bank foreclosure of an emancipation patent awarded under agrarian reform, reinforcing the 10-year transfer ban.
Death Abates Criminal Liability: Supreme Court Clarifies Extinguishment of Penalties and Civil Obligations
When an accused dies before final conviction, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. The Supreme Court explains the rule and its exceptions.
Death of Accused Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal Liability
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability and civil liability ex delicto are extinguished. Learn the rule and exceptions.
Protecting Minors: Upholding Conviction in Child Rape Cases Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a child rape conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in a minor victim's testimony do not undermine credibility.
The Weight of Eyewitness Testimony in Resolving Conflicts in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial in homicide cases, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
When Delay Becomes Inordinate: Ombudsman's Slow Probe Nullifies Graft Indictment
The Supreme Court nullified a graft indictment against Southern Leyte officials, ruling the Ombudsman's 1,370-day preliminary investigation violated their right to speedy disposition.
Protecting Land Titles: Collateral Attacks on Torrens Certificates in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles from collateral attacks in property disputes, and what this means for landowners facing title challenges.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A look at how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters and swindlers, and what proof is needed.
Conspiracy in Grave Coercion: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a mayor of grave coercion, ruling that conspiracy requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not mere speculation.
Liability for Forged Checks When Collecting Banks Bear the Loss
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on collecting bank liability for forged endorsements, negligence standards, and the fictitious payee rule.
Constructive Possession Knowledge AND Control IN Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court explains when a passenger in a car carrying drugs can be convicted of constructive possession under RA 9165.