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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Upholding Forfeiture Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth Hidden Abroad
Philippine courts retain jurisdiction over forfeiture cases involving ill-gotten wealth even when assets are hidden in foreign jurisdictions.
Defining the Duty of a Company-Designated Physician in Seafarer Disability Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how promptly a company-designated physician must assess a seafarer's fitness to work, and what happens when that duty is delayed.
Sheriff's Failure to Implement Writ of Execution Results in Administrative Penalty
Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for simple neglect of duty after failing to implement a writ of execution for over four years, imposing a two-month salary fine.
Burden of Proof in Cargo Claims: Insurers Must Prove Actual Damages to Recover Subrogated Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply in cargo loss claims when actual damages cannot be proven with certainty.
State Sovereignty in Land Registration: Proving Alienability and Disposability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that land registration requires proof of alienability and disposability, not just possession.
Understanding Frustrated Homicide: Intent to Kill and Penalties in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies intent to kill in frustrated homicide and corrects penalty and damages awards in De Guzman v. People.
Upholding the Sanctity of the Home: Violation of Domicile in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crime of violation of domicile under the Revised Penal Code, emphasizing the protection of the home against unlawful intrusion.
PEZA Exempt From Local Property Taxes: Key SC Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court ruled PEZA is exempt from real property taxes as a government instrumentality. Learn the legal basis and implications.
Treachery in Criminal Law: The Element of Surprise in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that treachery does not require an attack from behind—even a frontal assault can qualify as murder when it is sudden and unexpected.
Cashier's Checks and Contractual Disputes: Bank Obligations and Purchaser Rights in Philippine Law
When can a purchaser stop payment on a manager's or cashier's check? The Supreme Court explains in Chiok v. Metrobank.
Juvenile Justice Balancing Rehabilitation AND Accountability IN HOMICIDE CASES
The Supreme Court clarifies when a child in conflict with the law may still be imprisoned, even under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
Breach of Trust Estafa and the Misappropriation of Funds Entrusted for Tax Remittance
When does a cashier's mishandling of funds amount to estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction between material and juridical possession.
Custodia Legis: When Courts Cannot Touch Funds Held by Another Court
Explaining the custodia legis rule from Solidbank v. Goyu & Sons: a court cannot interfere with funds under another court's control.
Intent to Kill: What Separates Frustrated Homicide from Serious Physical Injuries
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how intent to kill distinguishes frustrated homicide from serious physical injuries, with practical guidance on evidence.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Suspension for Dishonest Acts by Attorneys
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines attorneys for dishonest acts, including suspension, based on recent jurisprudence.
Hypertension and Glaucoma: Protecting Employees' Rights to Compensation
When can hypertension and glaucoma be compensable? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employees' compensation claims.
When Can RTCs Rule on the Constitutionality of Administrative Regulations?
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review, the proper venue for tax disputes, and the tax exemption of the PEZA.
Retaliatory Dismissal: Protecting Employees Who Assert Their Rights
The Supreme Court affirms that firing workers for filing labor complaints violates security of tenure and constitutes illegal dismissal.
Death Before Final Judgment Extinguishes Criminal and Civil Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an accused who dies pending appeal has both criminal and civil liabilities extinguished.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Diligence in Selection and Supervision
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers can escape liability for employee negligence under Article 2180 of the Civil Code.
Temperate vs Nominal Damages: When Philippine Courts Award Moderate Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temperate damages apply instead of nominal damages, using a shipping collision case as the guide.
When Paying a Bounced Check Before Charges Are Filed Can Mean Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
The Supreme Court explains when full payment of a dishonored check before the filing of an Information can lead to acquittal from BP 22 charges.
Mistake vs Malice: When Honest Error Defeats Theft Charges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when honest mistake negates criminal intent in theft cases, acquitting a man who cut trees on the wrong property.
Filing a Labor Complaint Cannot Justify Dismissal: Corporate Rehabilitation and Backwages
Filing a labor complaint is a protected right. Dismissing workers for asserting claims is illegal termination, entitling them to reinstatement and full backwages.