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.
Cabug-os v. Espina: Balancing Employee Rights and Micro-Business Realities
The Supreme Court ruled that illegal dismissal awards against sari-sari stores must be equitable, considering the BMBE status and actual salaries of micro-enterprises.
Dead Incorporator in Articles of Incorporation: When Misrepresentation Is Not Fraud
The Supreme Court clarifies when a deceased incorporator in the Articles of Incorporation warrants revocation, and when amendment suffices.
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.
Conditional Donations: Substantial Compliance and Donor Intent in Land Donations
Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with a donation's primary purpose, not perfect performance, governs conditional land donations.
Illegal Dismissal of Pregnant Employee: SPID Corp. v. Ballesteros Explained
The Supreme Court affirmed that dismissing a pregnant employee without substantial evidence is illegal, reinforcing due process in Philippine labor law.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Key Lessons from ABS-CBN v. Magno
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal claims and the fine line between forced and voluntary resignation.
Graft Acquittal: Why Procurement Lapses Alone Do Not Prove Corruption
Supreme Court acquits municipal officials of graft despite procurement lapses, clarifying the strict proof required under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Conspiracy in Grave Coercion: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court acquits a mayor of grave coercion, ruling that conspiracy requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not mere speculation.
Police Blotter Duties Clarified: Valderas v. Sulse on Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court clarifies police blotter scope and simple neglect of duty in Valderas v. Sulse, protecting officers from baseless administrative cases.
Philippine Airlines v. Yañez: When Workplace Conduct Warrants Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may discipline employees for creating a hostile work environment, even absent explicit sexual demands.
Naturalization in the Philippines: Strict Compliance Required, Even for Refugees
Philippine naturalization demands strict compliance with all legal requirements, as shown by a recent Supreme Court ruling denying a refugee's citizenship application.
Treachery in Robbery with Homicide: The Supreme Court’s Ruling in People v. Juada
The Supreme Court clarifies when treachery aggravates robbery with homicide and affirms conviction based on circumstantial evidence in People v. Juada.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
New Mayor’s Power to Withdraw Predecessor’s Motion: Berces v. CSC
Can a new mayor withdraw an administrative appeal filed by a predecessor? The Supreme Court clarifies succession, finality, and misconduct rules.
Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials
The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.
Fraud and Writs of Preliminary Attachment: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
When does non-payment of a debt amount to fraud justifying a writ of preliminary attachment? A recent Supreme Court ruling provides clear guidance.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Amending Defective Criminal Charges: The Lazaro Doctrine on Procedural Flexibility
Learn how Philippine courts amend defective criminal charges to prevent dismissal on technicalities, based on Lazaro v. People.
Parricide Penalties in the Philippines: How Voluntary Surrender Affects Sentencing
Learn how mitigating circumstances like voluntary surrender affect parricide penalties under Philippine law, based on People v. Padilla.
Lascivious Conduct Under RA 7610: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld a conviction for lascivious conduct under RA 7610, clarifying how minors are protected from sexual abuse.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: The Mahinay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in the Mahinay case clarifies the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against public servants.
Unfair Competition as a Continuing Offense: What the Petron v. Yao Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling counterfeit goods is a continuing offense, affecting jurisdiction and prosecution strategy.