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.
Frivolous Lawsuits, Court Integrity, and Ethical Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fines a lawyer for filing a frivolous administrative complaint, reaffirming ethical duties and the protection of judicial integrity.
Defining Obscenity in Philippine Law: Liability for Immoral Publications
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law defines obscenity and who may be held liable for selling or exhibiting pornographic materials.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Holding Parent Companies Liable for Labor Violations in the Philippines
When can a corporation be held liable for another entity's labor violations? The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Missed Deadline Dismissed Appeal Why Perfecting Appeals On Time IS NON Negotiable IN Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on appeal bonds in labor cases: non-posting within the reglementary period is fatal and jurisdictional.
Understanding Qualified Rape and the Effect of RA 9346 on Death Penalty Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies qualified rape elements, victim credibility standards, and how RA 9346 converts death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Employer Liability for Security Guard Actions: Philippine Law Explained
When can a client be liable for a security guard's wrongful acts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on employer liability in the Philippines.
Navigating Subpoenas: Government Employee Obligations in Ombudsman Investigations
Government employees must comply with Ombudsman subpoenas even if a superior orders otherwise. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court ruling.
Regular Employment Status and Labor-Only Contracting: The San Miguel Corporation Case
Learn how the Supreme Court protected a worker's regular employment status against labor-only contracting schemes in San Miguel Corporation v. NLRC.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court defines and penalizes simple neglect of duty by court personnel, using a 2006 case as an example.
Drawee Bank Liability for Altered Checks: Material Alteration Under Philippine Law
When a drawee bank pays a materially altered check, it bears the loss. The Supreme Court explains why in Metrobank v. Cabilzo.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies procedural due process in Salazar v. Philippine Duplicators, Inc., a landmark case on employee termination in the Philippines.
Mining vs Forestry Rights: When Timber Licenses Don't Block Mining Operations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that timber license holders cannot block mining applications, explaining consent vs notice rules under the Mining Act.
COA Audit Not Mandatory for Utility Rate Changes: Meralco Case Analysis
Supreme Court clarifies that COA audit is not a prerequisite to ERC rate approvals, settling a key administrative law question.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Court Employees and the Duty to Pay Just Debts
Court employees must pay just debts—even after settlement, administrative liability may still attach. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
Demolition and Due Process: Understanding Nuisance Per Se in Philippine Law
When can government demolish property without court order? The Supreme Court explains nuisance per se, police power, and the limits of due process.
Accountability in the Courts: Understanding Neglect of Duty and Judicial Audits in the Philippines
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of judges and clerks of court in judicial audits, and the consequences of neglect of duty.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
Protecting Your Property: Why Notice Is Crucial in Philippine Tax Sales
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a tax sale for lack of proper notice to the true owner, and what this means for property buyers and owners in the Philippines.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Quashing an Information: Limits on Amendment and Filing New Charges in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a quashed information can be amended or refiled, explained in plain language.
Judge Fined P21,000 for Gross Ignorance in Issuing Injunction Without Hearing
Supreme Court fines judge P21,000 for granting TRO extension and preliminary injunction without the mandatory summary hearing under Rule 58.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.