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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Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits for Non-Work-Related Illness Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers can claim disability benefits for illnesses not listed as occupational diseases under the POEA-SEC, if work contributed.
Substitution in Elections: Residency Requirements and Certificate of Candidacy Validity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a disqualified candidate can be substituted, distinguishing disqualification from certificate of candidacy cancellation.
Upholding Electoral Tribunals Discretion Respecting THE Voters Intent IN Contested Ballots
A 3-3 Comelec en banc vote has no legal effect; the case must be reheard, the Supreme Court rules.
Majority Voting in Comelec En Banc Decisions: Why a 3-3 Tie Has No Legal Effect
A tied Comelec en banc vote cannot produce a valid ruling. The Supreme Court explains why a majority of all members is required.
Finality of Judgments: Repeated Motions for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court warns against filing repeated motions for reconsideration in administrative cases, affirming the doctrine of finality of judgments.
Unlawful Arrest and Illegal Drug Possession: Protecting Constitutional Rights
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect due to unlawful warrantless arrest, emphasizing constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
Contempt of Court: Safeguarding Due Process in Indirect Contempt Proceedings
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for ordering a litigant jailed for indirect contempt without a written charge, an opportunity to comment, or a hearing.
Constructive Dismissal: Demotion and Intolerable Working Conditions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal through demotion and intolerable working conditions in The Orchard Golf and Country Club v. Francisco.
Liberal Interpretation of Procedural Rules Ensures Substantive Justice in Administrative Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not defeat it, in administrative appeals.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney's Neglect and Misrepresentation Lead to Suspension
A lawyer who misleads clients about case status violates the Code of Professional Responsibility and faces suspension, as shown in this Supreme Court ruling.
Loss of Confidence in Dismissal Cases: Employers Must Substantiate the Breach of Trust
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence requires clear, convincing proof, not mere allegations.
Beyond Labels: Conviction for Rape Stands Despite Mislabeling in Information
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mislabeling a crime in the Information doesn't invalidate a conviction if the facts alleged constitute the offense charged.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Banks Are Not Liable for Subsidiary Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—pierce the corporate veil to hold parent banks liable for subsidiary debts.
When Banks Can't Be Sued for Subsidiary Debts: Piercing the Corporate Veil in Philippine Banking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may be held liable for subsidiary obligations and when the corporate veil protects them.
When Police Power Oversteps: The Marikina Fence Ordinance and Property Rights
The Supreme Court struck down Marikina's fence ordinance as an oppressive exercise of police power, protecting private property and privacy rights.
Judgment in Absentia: Balancing Due Process and Timely Justice in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when judgment in absentia is valid, the limits of appeal, and how courts correct illegal penalties despite finality.
Digital Ballots As Primary Evidence Protecting Electoral Integrity In The Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that digital ballot images from PCOS machines are functional equivalents of physical ballots, protecting elections from tampering.
Dismissal for Misconduct When Neglect and Delay Cost Judicial Positions
A municipal treasurer's dismissal for serious dishonesty and grave misconduct was upheld despite procedural lapses, as the Supreme Court ruled on appeal rules and substantial justice.
Navigating VAT Refund Claims: Prescriptive Periods and Equitable Estoppel in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-year prescriptive period for VAT refund claims and the mandatory 120-day waiting period before judicial appeal.
Public Easements in Land Disputes: Private Rights vs Public Welfare
The Supreme Court clarifies that 3-meter easements along rivers and streams are public property, limiting private landowner rights.
Lawyer Suspended for Failing to Appeal Client's Quo Warranto Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to appeal a quo warranto decision, causing client's removal from office.
Dispensing With the Confidential Informant: Upholding Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a confidential informant's testimony is not indispensable in drug cases when police officers personally witness the illegal sale.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Balancing Due Process and Anti-Money Laundering: Freeze Orders and Property Rights
Supreme Court rules indefinite freeze orders violate due process; six-month extension limit applies under the Rule in Civil Forfeiture Cases.