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.
Cityhood Denied: How Income Requirements Protect Local Governments
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement of uniform criteria in the Local Government Code.
Theft by Deceit Conviction Stands Despite Missing Testimony and Affidavit of Desistance
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction even with missing transcript and complainant's affidavit of desistance, clarifying key criminal procedure rules.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.
Mandatory Suspension Safeguarding Public Service Integrity
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on mandatory suspension of public officials and its role in preserving public service integrity.
Independent Contractor or Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Law
When is an insurance agent an employee, not an independent contractor? The Supreme Court explains the four-fold test and the crucial "control test" in Tongko v. Manulife.
Police Power vs Customs Authority: The Limits of Search and Seizure in the Philippines
When can police search cargo without customs authority? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Boac v. People.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal and Forfeiture of Benefits for Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, emphasizing accountability, ethical standards, and the consequences of grave offenses in the judiciary.
Drug Testing and Constitutional Rights: The Supreme Court's Balancing Act in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and accused persons.
Mandatory Drug Testing Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Upheld and Struck Down
The Supreme Court upheld random drug testing for students and employees but struck down mandatory tests for candidates and criminal suspects.
Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
Certiorari Denied: Why Skipping a Motion for Reconsideration Kills Your Appeal
Skipping a motion for reconsideration before filing a Rule 65 certiorari petition can be fatal. Learn the rules from a 2008 Supreme Court case.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The High Cost of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose a related case in a certification against forum shopping can lead to indirect contempt. Learn from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Public Office Ethics Improper Firearm Discharge AND Limits OF Misconduct Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, retirement age, and limits of employer misconduct claims.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
Seafarer Dismissal Upheld: Totality of Infractions and Due Process in Maritime Cases
Philippine Supreme Court upholds seafarer's dismissal based on totality of infractions, but awards nominal damages for lack of due process.
Supreme Court on Homicide Conviction and Credibility of Witness Testimony
The Supreme Court upholds a homicide conviction, explaining how courts weigh witness credibility and medical evidence in criminal cases.
Seafarer Misconduct and Due Process: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers dismissed for just cause without procedural due process get nominal damages, not reinstatement.
Just Compensation for Power Line Easements: Full Market Value, Not 10% Cap
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that power line easements may require full market value compensation, not the statutory 10% cap.
Entrapment vs Frame-Up: Proving Illegal Drug Sale Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid buy-bust entrapment and a mere frame-up in drug cases, and what evidence convicts.