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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Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney's Duty to Account for Funds and Return Documents
A lawyer cannot withhold client funds or documents for unpaid fees; the Supreme Court suspends Atty. Jimenez for six months.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Parent Company Liability for Employee Benefits in Labor Disputes
When can a parent company be held solidarily liable for its subsidiary's unpaid employee benefits? The Supreme Court explains.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.
Company Time Is Not Playtime: Dismissal Upheld for Gambling on Duty
Supreme Court rules gambling during work hours is serious misconduct justifying dismissal, even without money stakes.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Strict Adherence to POEA Contract Procedures Required
SC ruling in Calimlim v. Wallem Maritime: seafarers must follow POEA-SEC procedures, including third-doctor referral, or company physician's assessment stands.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Liability for Promising Overseas Work
The Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa where accused spouses promised overseas jobs without a POEA license.
When a Father's Duty Becomes a Crime: The Law on Incestuous Rape in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a father for raping his 12-year-old daughter, clarifying the rules on qualified rape, sexual assault, and damages.
Piercing the Corporate Veil Has Limits in Estate Proceedings: Mayor v. Tiu
The Supreme Court clarifies that probate courts cannot pierce the corporate veil to seize a corporation's assets as part of a decedent's estate.
Social Media Speech and Employment: Defining the Boundaries of Loss of Trust in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust justifies dismissal, distinguishing rank-and-file from managerial employees.
Assignees of Bank Mortgagee Entitled to Shorter Redemption Period Under General Banking Law
Supreme Court rules assignees of a bank mortgagee benefit from the shorter three-month redemption period under the General Banking Law.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Reasonable Doubt Leads to Acquittal
A mayor was acquitted of falsifying marriage certificates when the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he did not solemnize the weddings.
Insubordination in the Workplace: Defining the Scope of Employee Duties and Employer Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's refusal to follow orders is insubordination and when it is a justified defense against dismissal.
Foreign Ownership in Public Utilities: The High Court Defines "Capital"
The Supreme Court clarifies that Under the Constitution
Government Employment and Separation Benefits: The TransCo Ruling on Contractual Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractual government employees qualify for separation benefits and when good faith excuses refund of disallowed amounts.
Probable Cause Required Before Customs Seizure: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
Philippine Supreme Court rules customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or certification.
Piercing the Corporate Veil to Protect Workers' Right to Collective Bargaining
The Supreme Court pierces the corporate veil when sister companies use separate personalities to defeat workers' right to collective bargaining.
Stroke Compensation Claims: When Work Stress Meets Employee Welfare
Supreme Court clarifies when stroke and hypertension are compensable under PD 626, emphasizing probability over certainty in employee claims.
Probable Cause in Customs Forfeiture: Commissioner of Customs v. Singson
The Supreme Court clarifies that customs forfeiture requires probable cause first, not mere suspicion or unverified certifications.
Probable Cause and Customs Seizure: Protecting Due Process in Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause must precede customs seizure and forfeiture, protecting claimants from arbitrary government action.
Treachery and Witness Credibility in Philippine Murder Convictions
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining treachery, witness credibility, and damages in Philippine criminal law.
Dismissal Based on Weak Evidence: The Employer's Burden in Illegal Dismissal Cases
In Oasis Park Hotel v. Navaluna, the Supreme Court reminds employers that the burden of proving a valid dismissal rests on them — and weak evidence favors the worker.
Confidentiality in Arbitration: Supreme Court Shields Arbitration Statements From Slander Claims
The Supreme Court rules that witness statements and testimony in arbitration are confidential and cannot be used to support slander complaints.