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.
Solidary Liability in Labor Standards: Protecting Employee Wage Claims
When a contractor fails to pay wages, the principal employer can be held solidarily liable. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Upholding Criminal Liability for Breach of Trust
Supreme Court clarifies that failure to turn over goods or proceeds under trust receipts is estafa under PD 115, not mere civil liability.
Neglect of Duty: Sandiganbayan Security Guards Fined for Lost Radio
Sandiganbayan security guards fined for simple neglect of duty after losing a government-issued radio. Learn the rules on accountability.
Trust Receipts and Estafa: Why a Payment Agreement Does Not Erase Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court ruled that a new payment schedule cannot erase criminal liability for trust receipt violations, which are malum prohibitum.
Direct Contracting in Government Procurement: When Exemptions Lead to Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when direct contracting in government procurement is allowed and when it leads to administrative liability for public officers.
Upholding Government Procurement Standards: The Duty of Bids and Awards Committees to Ensure Lawful Transactio
The Supreme Court clarifies that Bids and Awards Committees must justify direct contracting and cannot rely blindly on recommendations, ensuring lawful government procurement.
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.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Notarial Duty to Verify Identity: Lessons from Dionisio v. Padernal
Notarization is not a mechanical act. A notary must verify identity using competent evidence—not community tax certificates—or face sanctions.
Probable Cause and Hot Pursuit: When Police Can Make a Warrantless Arrest
The Supreme Court clarifies the "hot pursuit" exception to the warrant requirement, explaining when police may arrest without a warrant.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Lawyers for Misrepresentation and Unauthorized Practice
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for deceiving courts over inherited property and reprimanded another for unauthorized practice, reaffirming ethical duties.
Duplicitous Informations and Child Abuse: Understanding Convictions for Multiple Offenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how duplicitous informations can lead to convictions for multiple offenses, and when child abuse charges apply instead of rape.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Constructive Dismissal: Defining Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When does a difficult work environment become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in a seafarer's resignation case.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.
Party List Proportionality: Supreme Court Upholds BANAT Formula in Seat Allocation
The Supreme Court upholds the BANAT formula for party-list seat allocation, rejecting claims that it violates the one person, one vote principle.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Public Purpose in Government Loans to Private Entities: The Bawasanta Case
When can local governments lend public funds to private entities? The Supreme Court clarifies the public purpose rule in Bawasanta v. People.
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Conduct in Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DENR officials for soliciting money under R.A. 6713, reaffirming strict ethical standards for public servants.
Freedom of Expression vs Obscenity: The Limits of Local Ordinances in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review local anti-obscenity ordinances and why facial challenges face strict limits.
Res Judicata and Foreign Judgments: What Property Disputes Teach Us About Finality
Philippine courts won't take judicial notice of foreign judgments. Learn the rules on res judicata, litis pendentia, and proof of foreign pleadings.
Understanding Conspiracy and Collective Responsibility in Rape Cases: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Deci
A landmark ruling clarifies when conspiracy exists in rape cases and how collective responsibility applies to all perpetrators.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB vs RTC
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-association disputes over inspection rights fall under HLURB jurisdiction, not the regular courts.