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.
Defining Sexual Harassment: The Intimidation Factor and Employer Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies that sexual harassment includes acts creating a hostile environment, not just explicit demands for sexual favors.
Ensuring Due Process When Procedural Technicalities Clash With Fair Investigation
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules must yield to substantive justice, especially when a respondent's right to due process in preliminary investigation is at stake.
Tax Declarations as Indicia of Possession: Lessons from Leoncio v. De Vera
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax declarations as evidence of possession and ownership in land reconveyance cases.
Balancing Privacy, Bank Inquiry Orders, and Due Process in Anti-Money Laundering Cases
The Supreme Court rules that AMLA bank inquiry orders cannot be issued ex parte, protecting depositors' right to due process.
Ombudsman's Discretion: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Charges for Graft
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, balancing prosecutorial discretion with judicial oversight.
When Courts Won't Second-Guess the Ombudsman's Dismissal of Graft Complaints
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's wide discretion in dismissing graft complaints, limiting judicial review to grave abuse of discretion.
Corporate Rehabilitation, Foreclosure, and Judicial Independence: Key Lessons from Rombe Eximtrade
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when courts may issue injunctions against foreclosure after a rehabilitation case is dismissed.
Balancing Public Welfare and Business Interests: The Manila Oil Depot Relocation Case
The Supreme Court upheld Manila's Ordinance No. 8027, ordering oil companies to relocate from Pandacan, balancing public safety with business interests.
Reconstitution of Title: Strict Proof Required for Lost or Destroyed Land Titles in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for reconstitution of lost or destroyed land titles under RA 26, emphasizing proof of original title issuance.
Void Marriages and Child Support: When Can a Marriage Be Challenged in Court
The Supreme Court clarifies when a void marriage can be challenged in court and the support rights of children born from such unions.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Misusing Entrusted Funds Becomes Theft in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when misappropriating funds received for a specific purpose constitutes theft rather than estafa.
Breach of Trust: When Workplace Conduct Undermines Employer Confidence
Supreme Court ruling on when managerial employees may be validly dismissed for breach of trust and loss of confidence.
Health Care Agreements: Insurers Must Prove Pre-Existing Conditions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the burden of proving pre-existing conditions in health care agreements, and insurer liability for damages.
Finality of Judgments, Due Process, and Counsel's Negligence in Contract Rescission
A Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, due process, and counsel's negligence in a construction contract rescission case.
Co-Ownership Consent and the Limits of Property Rights in the Philippines
One co-owner's consent cannot authorize construction on common property. The Supreme Court explains forcible entry rules in co-ownership disputes.
Certiorari Dismissed Untimely Appeals AND THE Finality OF Judgments
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of a Rule 65 petition, reinforcing the finality of judgments and the limits of certiorari.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Bank Discretion in Setting Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unilateral interest rate setting violates mutuality of contracts, but the principal loan obligation remains valid and enforceable.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Mishandling Client's Property
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for failing to render legal services, returning money late, and withholding client's title and documents.
Timeshare Contracts and SEC Registration: What Buyers Should Know
Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered timeshare sales violate the Securities Act, and buyers may rescind such contracts.
BPI v. Reyes: Physical Evidence Prevails in Bank Deposit Dispute
Supreme Court explains preponderance of evidence in bank deposit disputes, ruling physical evidence outweighs bare testimony.
Teachers Reassignment Balancing Rights AND Educational Needs
Explains when public school teachers may be validly transferred or reassigned, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Superintendent of City Schools v. Azarcon.
Demurrer to Evidence: Insufficient Proof in Customs and Anti-Graft Cases Leads to Dismissal
When prosecution evidence fails to establish a prima facie case, a demurrer to evidence may lead to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains.
Enforcing Contractual Obligations: Valid Payment and the Courts' Supervisory Role
When may a buyer rescind a timeshare contract? The Supreme Court clarifies registration rules, rescission periods, and appeal deadlines.
Hospital Liability for Consultant Doctors: The Doctrine of Apparent Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hospital liability for consultant physicians' negligence under apparent authority and corporate negligence doctrines.