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.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Developer's Duty to Maintain Subdivision Streetlights Until Turnover
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies developer obligations for subdivision streetlight maintenance and electricity costs until turnover to local government.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.
Accountability for Public Officers: Protecting Constitutional Rights Beyond Official Duty
Learn how the Supreme Court defines accountability for public officers and why protecting constitutional rights extends beyond official duty.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.
Upholding Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Don't Halt Possession Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pending ownership cases do not stop execution of ejectment judgments, protecting the summary nature of unlawful detainer.
Integrity in Public Service: Dismissal of False Misconduct Allegations Against Court Stenographer
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against court stenographer, ruling that bare allegations and conjectures cannot overcome the presumption of innocence in administrative cases.
Manifest Error or Falsification: The Scope of Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of pre-proclamation controversies, distinguishing correctible manifest errors from election protests requiring evidence aliunde.
Fortuitous Events and Employee Dismissal: When Absences Are Excusable
The Supreme Court ruled that absences caused by fortuitous events like flooding cannot justify dismissal, protecting workers' labor rights.
Rice Subsidy and Health Allowance Limits on University Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on Benguet State University's rice subsidy and health allowance, clarifying limits of fiscal autonomy under RA 8292.
When Is a Hospital Building a Commercial Establishment? The Medical Arts Center Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hospital's medical arts center is a special property at 10% assessment, not commercial at 35%.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: When Courts Can Intervene in Reorganization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence, jurisdictional amounts in damage suits, and contributory negligence.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Ombudsman Decisions Can Be Reviewed by Courts
Supreme Court clarifies when final Ombudsman rulings may still be challenged through certiorari, using a neglect-of-duty case as guide.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.
Accountability and Due Diligence: Clarifying the Standard for Neglect of Duty in Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes simple neglect of duty and the standard of diligence required of public officers in safeguarding government property.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Compromise Agreements and Redemption Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, tax delinquency redemption, and substantial compliance in Philippine property law.
Loss of Filipino Citizenship Ends AFP Retiree Pension: Parreño v. COA
Supreme Court rules AFP retirees who lose Filipino citizenship lose their pension under PD 1638, as amended. No vested right before retirement.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Tenant vs Caretaker: When Fishpond Watching Does Not Create Tenancy Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between agricultural tenant and mere caretaker, and why intent and consent matter in tenancy.