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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Abuse of Rights Doctrine: Balancing Contractual Rights With Social Responsibility
The Supreme Court explains how the abuse of rights doctrine limits contractual rights, using a banana plantation dispute as a case study.
Family Court Jurisdiction and the Accused’s Right to a Valid Arraignment
When a case is filed in the wrong court, the proceedings are void—including the arraignment. The Supreme Court explains why.
Medical Malpractice: Establishing Negligence and Hospital Liability in Surgical Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies when surgeons and anesthesiologists are liable for negligence and when hospitals are not, in a botched caesarean case.
When Can Courts Extend the 60-Day Rule for Filing Certiorari? A Philippine Guide
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the 60-day certiorari filing period may be extended, and clarifies venue rules for personal actions.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: The Melendres Doctrine on Formal Hearings
When is a formal hearing required in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies due process rules for government officials facing charges.
Accretion vs Title: Proving Ownership of Abandoned Creek Beds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an abandoned creek bed transfers ownership and why a Torrens title prevailed.
When Creeks Shift: Land Ownership and Natural Watercourse Changes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns abandoned river beds when creeks change course naturally, and the burden of proof required.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When a Fit-to-Work Declaration Comes Too Late
The Supreme Court ruled that a seafarer's temporary total disability becomes permanent once the 240-day treatment period lapses without a valid fitness declaration.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Formal Hearing Is Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that due process in administrative cases does not always require a full formal hearing, as long as the respondent is given an opportunity to be heard.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When Formal Hearings Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that formal hearings are not always required in administrative cases, as long as the respondent is given an opportunity to be heard.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Claims of Illegal Arrest and Lack of Counsel
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that illegal arrest claims are waived if not raised before plea, and that police line-ups are not part of custodial investigation.
Dual Citizenship and Elective Office: The Imperative of Sworn Renunciation in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires dual citizens seeking elective office to execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship. The Supreme Court explains why.
Unexplained Wealth Forfeiture of Illegally Acquired Properties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how forfeiture of unexplained wealth works under RA 1379, including due process rights and the finality of judgments.
Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases: Proving Force and Intimidation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's acquittal in People v. Lumpayao shows why force, threat, or intimidation must be proven beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Two-Notice Rule and Employer Obligations
Learn the two-notice rule in Philippine labor law and how the Supreme Court applied it to probationary employees in Carvajal v. Luzon Development Bank.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers’ Disability Claims: Proving the Causal Link
Seafarers claiming disability benefits must prove work-relatedness, not just illness during employment. The Supreme Court clarifies the burden.
Lawyer Suspended for Misappropriating Client Funds in Breach of Trust
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to return client funds consigned with HLURB, violating Canon 16 of the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Breach of Contract When Failure to Pay Justifies Rescission Despite Concurrent Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when failure to pay a guaranteed amount justifies rescission even if the other party also breached concurrent obligations.
Corporate Merger and Garnishment: Surviving Corporation's Liability for Pre-Existing Obligations
When banks merge, the surviving corporation inherits garnishment obligations of the absorbed bank. The Supreme Court explains why.
Probationary Employment: When Employers Can Terminate for Failure to Meet Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate probationary employees for failing reasonable standards, including chronic tardiness.
Fiscal Autonomy and the Judiciary: The Supreme Court's Power to Dispose of Its Properties
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy in property disposal, resolving a COA dispute over appraisal formulas for retired justices' purchases.
Devolution and Vested Rights: Protecting Public Sector Employees in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on devolution, vested rights, and security of tenure for public sector employees in the Philippines.
Military Jurisdiction Retirement Does NOT BAR Court Martial Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on military jurisdiction, retirement, and court martial proceedings explained for lay readers.
Treachery's Shadow: Murder and Eyewitness Identification in the Anis Massacre
The Supreme Court affirms murder and attempted murder convictions from the 1999 Anis massacre, ruling on treachery and eyewitness identification.