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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Notarizing Documents of Deceased Persons: A Lawyer's Notarial Duty and Its Consequences
When a lawyer notarizes documents for parties who are already dead, the Supreme Court imposes severe penalties. Learn the rules.
Per Diem Limits for Water District Directors: Harmonizing Executive Orders and Governing Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies that Administrative Order No. 103's P20,000 monthly per diem cap applies to water district directors, overriding conflicting LWUA issuances.
Rape and the Burden of Proof: Protecting Victims in Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on rape clarifies the burden of proof, qualifying circumstances, and why child victims' testimony carries great weight.
Attorney Suspended Five Years for Deceitful Conduct and Breach of Professional Responsibility
Lawyer suspended five years for deceiving clients into paying P350,000 for a property redemption she never processed, violating the Lawyer's Oath and Rule 1.01.
Good Faith in Collective Bargaining: Philippine Rule on Fair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies good faith bargaining duties, unfair labor practice, and when strikes are justified in CBA negotiations.
Court Clerk Dismissed for Bypassing Raffle of Judicial Notices and Taking Loans
Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for grave misconduct: bypassing the raffle of judicial notices and borrowing money from newspaper publishers.
Bail and Humanitarian Considerations: Balancing Constitutional Rights and Individual Circumstances
The Supreme Court affirms that bail may be granted on humanitarian grounds, weighing an accused's health and flight risk against constitutional rights.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: When a Valid Dismissal Still Costs the Employer
A valid dismissal for just cause does not erase the employer's duty to observe procedural due process. The Supreme Court explains the two-notice rule and nominal damages.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Cause and Procedure
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissals with just cause remain valid even without procedural due process, but employers must pay nominal damages.
Personal Liability of Public Officials for Unauthorized Legal Services: The Oñate Case
When are public officials personally liable for unauthorized legal services? The Supreme Court clarifies in Oñate v. COA.
Freedom of Expression vs. Election Rules: The Diocese of Bacolod Tarpaulin Case
The Supreme Court ruled that a church tarpaulin on the RH Law was not election propaganda, protecting citizen speech during elections.
Protecting Deliberations: The Scope of Deliberative Process Privilege in Philippine Law
Explore the deliberative process privilege in Philippine law, its scope, limits, and how courts balance confidentiality with transparency.
Syndicated Estafa and Corporate Liability: When Public Solicitation Pierces the Veil
Supreme Court clarifies when a corporation's real estate sales to the public trigger syndicated estafa liability under P.D. 1689.
Forum Shopping in Annulment Cases: A Lawyer's Suspension and the Integrity of Legal Processes
A prosecutor's suspension for filing two marriage dissolution petitions in different courts highlights the strict rule against forum shopping.
DUE Process IN Termination Notice Must Match THE Charge
Employer's Duty to Bargain and the Consequences of Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's duty to bargain with the certified union and the consequences of unfair labor practices.
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
When a Child Victim’s Sole Testimony Suffices to Convict in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction based on the credible, consistent testimony of a four-year-old victim, explaining when a sole account is enough.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.
Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Right to Be Heard Before Liability Is Imposed
The Supreme Court reaffirms that administrative due process requires a real opportunity to be heard before liability is imposed, not just a motion for reconsideration.
Taxation and Due Process: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Rights in Deficiency Assessments
The Supreme Court clarifies when the CTA may require a surety bond to suspend tax collection, protecting taxpayer rights.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Conviction in Statutory Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms statutory rape conviction, explaining why a child victim's credible testimony suffices even without medical evidence of injury.
Depositions Abroad: Balancing Convenience and Due Process in Philippine Civil Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign plaintiff residing abroad may take deposition outside the Philippines for direct testimony in a Philippine civil case.
Negligence on the Road: When Employer Liability Intersects With Employee Conduct
A Supreme Court ruling on bus driver dismissals clarifies negligence as just cause, procedural due process, and the limits of settlement authority.