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.
Untimely Appeal: The High Cost of Missed Deadlines in Labor Disputes
A missed 15-day deadline to appeal a Court of Appeals ruling proved fatal for an employer, showing why procedural rules matter.
Safeguarding Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal FOR Prolonged Delays IN Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prolonged Ombudsman delays violate the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Cases and Unjustified Withdrawal
A lawyer who withdrew from a case without client consent or court approval was suspended for one year and ordered to return fees.
Forum Shopping by Lawyers: Ethical Duty and the Price of Misconduct
A lawyer's filing of successive petitions constituted forum shopping, resulting in a six-month suspension from the practice of law.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
When Aiding a Principal Overshadows Accessory Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when helping a principal offender may constitute grave misconduct rather than mere accessory liability in administrative cases.
Obstructing Justice When Removing Evidence Leads to Criminal Liability
Learn when removing evidence becomes obstruction of justice in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on tampering and misconduct.
Joint Account Withdrawal Rights: Limits of Authority Among Co-Depositors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint account, meaning either depositor could transact without the other's signature.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Breach of Public Trust: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of clerk of court who used judiciary funds for personal expenses, underscoring public trust.
Breach of Trust Establishing Conspiracy in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
How a cashier's breach of trust led to 30 counts of qualified theft, and what the Supreme Court ruled on penalties.
Inconsistent Positions and Agency Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers From Deception
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies and their officers solidarily liable for overseas workers' claims, rejecting inconsistent defenses as deception.
Revival of Judgment Equity Prevails Over Strict Procedural Rules in Land Dispute
Supreme Court allows revival of judgment beyond prescriptive period where strict rules would cause injustice to blameless litigants.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client’s Case and Defying Court Orders
A lawyer’s duty of diligence and obedience to court orders, explained through a Supreme Court ruling suspending Atty. Reni M. Dublin for six months.
When Can a Substitute Candidate Validly Replace Another in Philippine Elections
Philippine election law on substitution of candidates: grounds, deadlines, and rules for valid replacement under the Omnibus Election Code.
Upholding Client Loyalty Disciplinary Action FOR Attorneys Representing Conflicting Interests IN THE Philippin
A lawyer cannot represent opposing clients even in unrelated cases. The Supreme Court explains the rule on conflicting interests and its consequences.
Beneficial Judgments Extending Leniency to Co-Accused in Criminal Conspiracy
When one co-accused wins a favorable ruling on appeal, the benefit can extend to others—even those who withdrew their appeal. Here's how.
Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Arbitrator Impartiality and Third Party Influence in Philippine Arbitration Awards
When can a third party's conduct taint an arbitration award? The Supreme Court clarifies standards for vacating awards on grounds of evident partiality.
Unraveling Estafa: The Supreme Court's Stance on Misappropriation and Probable Cause
A look at Burgundy Realty v. Reyes, where the Supreme Court clarified the elements of estafa and the low bar for probable cause in preliminary investigations.
Prohibited Pleadings in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Dismissal Motions and Board Resolutions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that motions to dismiss are prohibited pleadings in intra-corporate disputes, even when backed by board resolutions.
Jurisdiction Defined: Mixed Questions of Law and Fact in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal raises mixed questions of law and fact, and why jurisdiction depends on the nature of the issues raised.