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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When a Surety Can Escape Liability: Overcoming the Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when sureties can overcome the presumption of regularity attached to notarized continuing suretyship agreements.
Second Marriages Validity Hinges ON Proof OF Dissolution OF THE First
Supreme Court rules a marriage certificate alone cannot prove bigamy; the prior marriage must be shown to still subsist.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Negligence and Misconduct in PDAF Allocation
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of DSWD official for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service in PDAF allocation.
Psychological Incapacity and the Value of Expert Reports in Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a psychological report can prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Forged Payrolls and Denied Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Wage Theft
The Supreme Court reinstates wage claims of OFWs against a recruitment agency, ruling that forged payrolls cannot defeat workers' right to just compensation.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: Abandonment, Infidelity, and the Cabutaje Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies proof requirements for psychological incapacity in the Cabutaje case, addressing abandonment, infidelity, and expert testimony.
Unlicensed Recruitment Upholding Protection FOR Migrant Workers
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment by unlicensed recruiters, clarifying penalties and reinforcing protections for overseas Filipino workers.
Unauthorized Foreshore Structures as Public Nuisance: Calimlim v. Goño
The Supreme Court rules that unauthorized structures on foreshore land constitute a public nuisance and must be removed.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
When a Corporate Officer Escapes Civil Liability for a Bounced Check Under BP 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that an acquitted corporate officer cannot be held personally liable for a dishonored corporate check under BP 22.
Acquitted Corporate Officer Not Civilly Liable for Bouncing Check: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporate officer acquitted of BP 22 violations cannot be held civilly liable for the dishonored check's value.
Vicarious Liability of Schools: When Teachers Answer for Student Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when school principals and teachers are vicariously liable for student acts causing injury to third persons.
Psychological Violence and Child Abuse: Defining the Boundaries of Harm Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated abuse becomes psychological violence under RA 9262 and how child sexual abuse is penalized under RA 7610.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Reinstatement Wages After Illegal Dismissal: The 'Final Reversal' Rule Explained
When must employers pay reinstatement wages after an illegal dismissal ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the "final reversal" rule in Del Monte Land Transport.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over GOCC Managers: Procurement Delay Case
Supreme Court clarifies Sandiganbayan jurisdiction over GOCC managers regardless of salary grade, in a government procurement delay case.
Upholding Moral Standards: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross immorality, even in private life, as the Supreme Court reaffirms exacting ethical standards.
Supreme Court Acquits Barangay Official in Graft Case, Clarifies Elements of Section 3(c) RA 3019
The Supreme Court acquits a barangay kagawad of graft, clarifying the elements of Section 3(c) of RA 3019 and the importance of substantial justice over technical rules.
Managerial Responsibility in Government Procurement: Defining the Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that GOCC managers, regardless of salary grade, fall under Sandiganbayan jurisdiction for procurement offenses.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Negligence, Dishonesty in Handling Client's Annulment Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer five years and orders PHP 810,000 fine for mishandling client funds and filing defective petition.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Distinction in Property Possession Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between unlawful detainer and forcible entry, and why tolerance must exist from the start of possession.
Notarial Negligence and Misuse of Notarial Seals: What the Supreme Court Decided
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be held liable for misuse of their notarial seals, and when they may not.