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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Dishonesty as Just Cause for Dismissal: Lessons from the Smart Communications Case
When a department head approved fictitious marketing projects and fake agencies, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Security Guards' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abandonment vs illegal dismissal in labor-only contracting cases involving security guards and agency-hired workers.
Citizenship Denied When Earning Less Means Less Entitlement TO Naturalization
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may impose successive preventive suspensions and the rules on appeal bonds in labor cases.
Preventive Suspension for Separate Offenses: Smart Communications v. Solidum
Supreme Court clarifies that employers may impose fresh preventive suspensions for newly discovered offenses, and explains the limits of the rule.
Double Jeopardy and Civil Liability When Acquittal Does Not Erase Debt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double jeopardy, finality of acquittal, and civil liability in estafa cases.
VAT Zero Rating and ERC Certification: Lessons from Toledo Power Company
Why ERC certification is decisive for power generators claiming VAT zero-rating, explained through the Toledo Power Company case.
No Illegal Dismissal, No Separation Pay: Reassessing Employee Entitlements in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status becomes constructive dismissal and how quitclaims affect employee claims.
Procedural Lapses vs Substantial Justice: When Courts Must Look Beyond Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when procedural rules bind litigants strictly and when courts may relax them in the interest of substantial justice.
Unveiling Corporate Authority When Contracts Exceed Presidential Power
Civil Liability Survives Acquittal: Diaz v. People on Estafa and Agency
An acquittal in estafa does not erase civil liability. The Diaz case explains when and why.
Who Hears CLOA Cancellation Cases? The DAR Secretary, Not DARAB, Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that DARAB lacks jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases without tenurial disputes; the DAR Secretary decides.
Kidnapping With Rape: Intent Proven by Unlawful Taking of a Child
The Supreme Court affirms that taking a child without parental consent establishes intent to deprive liberty, convicting the offender of kidnapping with rape.
Navigating VAT Zero Rating Certificate OF Compliance IS KEY FOR Generation Companies
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.
Mandatory Appeal Bond in Labor Disputes: What It Means for Employees and Employers
Understanding the mandatory appeal bond in labor disputes, its purpose, and why compliance is crucial for employers seeking to appeal labor rulings.
Procedural Pitfalls: Why Improper Appeals Can Derail Your Case
Filing a case before the wrong tribunal wastes time and money. Learn how jurisdiction works and why proper procedure matters.
Filing the Right Case: Why Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction Matters
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies why cancellation of CLOAs involving non-tenants belongs to the DAR Secretary, not the DARAB.
Simple Slander Conviction Upheld: Public Accusation of Theft and Malice
The Supreme Court affirms a Simple Slander conviction for publicly accusing someone of theft, explaining the elements, malice presumption, and penalties.
Buy-Bust Operations: Convictions Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses in Drug Seizures
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions despite procedural lapses, ruling that substantial compliance with Section 21 preserves evidence integrity.
Only the Solicitor General Can Appeal Criminal Case Dismissals
Private complainants cannot appeal the dismissal of criminal cases; only the OSG may do so on behalf of the State.
When Eyewitness Testimony AND Unlicensed Firearms Determine Guilt IN Murder Cases
Upholding Ethical Standards: An Attorney's Duty to Avoid Delaying Tactics in Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for three months for employing dilatory tactics, reaffirming the duty to avoid delaying legal proceedings.
Mortgages on Land Reform Properties: Balancing Bank Rights and Agrarian Justice
When land reform and bank mortgages collide, who gets the just compensation? The Supreme Court settles the rule.