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.
The Ripple Effect: How Prior Court Rulings Bind Future Cases Involving Similar Facts
A Supreme Court ruling on the Pepsi promotion. Although the petitioners were not parties to earlier lawsuits over the same contest, the Court held that their claims were barred by the doctrine of *sta
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Reliance on Subordinates Limits Liability for Falsification in Public Office
When can public officials rely on subordinates? Nava v. NBI clarifies limits of liability for falsification through reckless imprudence.
Liability for Damages: Balancing Official Duty and Personal Bad Faith
A public officer's official acts can still trigger personal liability for damages when done in bad faith, as this Philippine Supreme Court case shows.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
When Advertising Costs Become Capital Expenditures: Lessons from CIR v. General Foods
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when large advertising expenses are deductible business costs or capital outlays for goodwill.
False Credentials Lost Promotion Integrity IN Public Service
Supreme Court dismisses court employee for falsifying educational credentials in Personal Data Sheet, affirming public office as a public trust.
Mayoral Prerogative vs Police Professionalism: Understanding the Limits of Local Executive Power in Police App
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a mayor's appointment power with the need for police professionalism and legal limits.
Civil Service Confidentiality: Defining the Scope of Non-Career Positions
The Supreme Court upheld CSC's power to classify private secretary positions as primarily confidential and non-career, clarifying the limits of such classifications.
Judicial Misconduct: Upholding Honesty and Efficiency in the Philippine Judiciary
A judge's delay in deciding cases and dishonesty in JBC forms led to suspension and fine, reinforcing judicial accountability.
Raffle Promotions: When Overdue Accounts Disqualify Prize Winners
Supreme Court rules on when overdue accounts can forfeit raffle prizes in Mondragon International Philippines v. Blanco.
Workplace Sexual Harassment in the Philippines: Substantial Evidence and Employee Rights
Understand how the Supreme Court protects employees in sexual harassment cases, applying substantial evidence in administrative proceedings.
Power Rate Differentials: ERB Authority to Protect Utility Companies Upheld
Supreme Court affirms ERB power to set rate differentials favoring utilities over direct industrial customers of NAPOCOR.
Judicial Rank vs Salary Grade: Understanding Position Classification in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court explains why equal salary grades do not mean equal judicial rank, clarifying position classification in the Court of Appeals.
Presidential Appointments in the Philippines: Limits of the Commission on Appointments' Confirmation Power
The Supreme Court clarifies which presidential appointments need Commission on Appointments confirmation under the 1987 Constitution.
Court Discretion and Deadlines: Why Philippine Courts Can Deny Postponements and Cost You Your Case
Learn from the Pepsi Number Fever case why Philippine courts can deny postponements and declare waiver of evidence rights.
Can Promotional Salary Increases Offset Statutory Wage Hikes? PAL Ruling
Philippine Airlines v. NLRC: statutory wage increases under RA 6640 cannot be offset by promotional salary increases. Learn the rule.
Valid Dismissal in the Philippines: When Loss of Trust Justifies Termination of Managerial Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies valid dismissal of managerial employees under the Labor Code.
Regular Employee Status, Security of Tenure, and CBA Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when seasonal workers become regular employees entitled to CBA benefits and security of tenure.
Philippine Labor Law: Workplace Venue Not Always Mandatory for Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: NLRC venue rules are permissive, not mandatory. Worker convenience and substantial justice can override workplace location.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Serious Misconduct and Loss of Trust Explained
Learn when Philippine employers can validly dismiss employees for serious misconduct and loss of trust, based on the Cosmos Bottling case.
Police Power vs Individual Rights: Regulating OFW Deployment
The Supreme Court upholds the Artist Record Book requirement for performing artists bound abroad as a valid exercise of police power.
Probable Cause and Issuance of Arrest Warrants: The Roberts Case Explained
When must a judge examine records before issuing warrants? The Roberts case clarifies probable cause and arrest warrant rules.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Supplier of Workers Is Just an Agent of the Employer
Understand labor-only contracting in the Philippines and when a manpower supplier is deemed a mere agent, making the principal employer liable.