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.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Ground for Dismissal
Court employee dismissed for habitual tardiness and absenteeism. Learn the rules on punctuality and public trust in the Judiciary.
Counsel Substitution and Appeal Perfection: Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on how improper counsel substitution and missing non-forum shopping certifications can doom labor appeals.
Formal Charges and Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law: The Salva v. Valle Ruling
Philippine administrative law requires a valid formal charge before dismissal. The Salva v. Valle ruling explains why.
Treachery and Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases: What the Supreme Court Said
A 2014 Supreme Court ruling explains how treachery and conspiracy establish guilt in murder cases. Learn the rules and practical takeaways.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies: Why Public Servants Must First Seek Internal Solutions
Public servants must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court. The Supreme Court explains why in Ejera v. Merto.
SEC Suspension Order as Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
Supreme Court rules SEC suspension of payments order excuses check dishonor under B.P. 22, reversing conviction of corporate officer.
When Remand Limits Amendments: Damages in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amended complaints after remand in eminent domain cases, protecting property owners' rights.
SEC Suspension Order as a Valid Defense in B.P. 22 Cases: Gidwani v. People
When a lawful SEC suspension order precedes check presentment, the drawer may be excused from B.P. 22 liability.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty Banks Must Uphold Transparency in Trust Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Land Bank v. Oñate clarifies banks' fiduciary duties, transparency obligations, and liability for undocumented trust account withdrawals.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow the DAR Formula
The Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian courts must apply Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR AO 5-98 when fixing just compensation for expropriated land.
Constructive Dismissal Demotion and Unfulfilled Reinstatement Undermine Labor Rights
SC rules on constructive dismissal via demotion, reinstatement impossibility, and early retirement requiring explicit employee consent.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Police Power vs. Eminent Domain in Business Regulations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain, in Manila Memorial Park v. DSWD.
Good Faith and Public Office: Reassessing Graft and Corruption in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that good faith and lack of manifest partiality can defeat graft charges under RA 3019.
Surety Bond Accreditation: NLRC’s Duty to Dismiss Appeals with Invalid Bonds
When a surety bond is invalid due to expired accreditation, the NLRC must dismiss the appeal. Learn the rule from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Child Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A father's conviction for rape and sexual abuse of his 12-year-old daughter affirmed by the Supreme Court, clarifying legal standards.
Beyond Deadlines: The COMELEC's Power to Ensure Fair Plebiscites Despite Statutory Timelines
When a plebiscite deadline becomes impossible to meet, can the COMELEC reset the date? The Supreme Court says yes, in a ruling that prioritizes the people's right to vote.
Electoral Tribunal Jurisdiction: Proclamation Is the Decisive Factor in Election Contests
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a congressional candidate is proclaimed, the HRET, not the COMELEC, has sole jurisdiction over election contests.
Prescription Period for Ordinance Violations: Filing the Complaint vs. the Information
When does prescription run for ordinance violations? The Supreme Court clarifies whether filing a complaint with the prosecutor interrupts the period.
When Teaching Doesn't Cover All: Narrowing the Scope of Occupational Disease Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that being listed as an occupational disease does not automatically make an illness compensable under Philippine law.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Intimidation Overcomes Lack of Physical Resistance
Philippine Supreme Court rules that intimidation, not physical resistance, is key in rape cases, upholding a conviction based on a knife threat.
Clarifying Final Judgments Ensuring TAX Refunds Reflect Court Intent
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified a final judgment's dispositive portion to include all tax refund cases, ensuring the court's true intent prevails.
Salary Standardization vs Water District Autonomy: Reconciling Compensation Policies
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district general managers' salaries fall under the Salary Standardization Law, not PD 198.
Jurisdictional Thresholds in Collection Cases: Learning from Cabrera v. Francisco
How courts determine jurisdiction in collection cases, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Cabrera v. Francisco as a guide.