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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Simple vs Grave Misconduct: Good Faith and Service in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's procedural lapse is simple misconduct, not grave misconduct, in government service.
Chain of Custody Breaks Lead to Acquittal in Election Weapon Ban Case
Supreme Court acquits accused in election weapons ban case due to broken chain of custody over seized folding knife.
Timely Filing and Substantial Compliance in Appeals: Lessons from Caballes v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court reminds appellate courts that procedural rules yield to substantial justice when appeals are timely filed and defects are promptly corrected.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Breach of Public Trust: Dishonesty and Neglect in Handling Court Funds
Supreme Court rules on liability of government officers for disallowed funds, emphasizing good faith and diligence in public service.
Breach of Public Trust: Accountability for Mismanagement of Court Funds in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's liability for fund mismanagement, tampered receipts, and delayed deposits.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Lawyer Discipline for Negligence and Ignorance of the Law: The Quiñones Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government lawyers face disciplinary action for negligence and ignorance of the law.
Child Abuse and Sexual Assault: Understanding Philippine Law and Protecting Children
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law punishes child abuse and sexual assault, including key rules on evidence and penalties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Imperative of Timely Valuation in Land Conveyance Agreements
Supreme Court affirms that land valuation in conveyance agreements is fixed at drawdown, not at later selection, upholding contract terms.
Dishonesty in Government Service: When Is It Grounds for Dismissal?
The Supreme Court clarifies when dishonesty in government service warrants dismissal, distinguishing serious, less serious, and simple dishonesty.
PhilHealth Claims: Supreme Court Protects Healthcare Providers’ Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court ruled PhilHealth violated due process in claims against Quezon City Eye Center, reinforcing procedural fairness in administrative cases.
Citizen Suits and Native Title: What the Maliones Case Means for Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizen suits protect the environment but cannot resolve native title claims, which belong to the NCIP.
When Does a Company Bonus Become a Demandable Right in the Philippines?
Learn when a company bonus becomes a demandable right under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Maternal vs. Coca-Cola Bottlers.
Forum Shopping Intent and Good Faith in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When does filing multiple cases become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies that intent matters in Quiambao v. Sumbilla.
Renewable Energy Incentives Registration IS KEY TO VAT Zero Rating
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that renewable energy producers must register with the DOE to enjoy VAT zero-rating on power sales.
SEC Investigations and Due Process: What the Supreme Court Said in Tengco
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC investigation lapses do not strip courts of jurisdiction over Securities Regulation Code violations.
Possession Rights Balancing Property Sales AND Building Occupation
Supreme Court ruling on when a buyer of land can keep occupying a building pending title issuance, and when attorney's fees are unwarranted.
Police Misconduct Excessive Force: SC Upholds Dismissal of PO2 in Fatal Shooting
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a police officer for grave misconduct after fatal shooting, clarifying limits of law enforcement authority.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.
Default Orders and Affidavit of Merit: Lessons from Far East Fuel v. Airtropolis
A default order can be lifted only with an affidavit of merit and proof of excusable negligence. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Lawyer Disbarred for Breach of Trust in Sale of CARP-Awarded Land
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P100,000 for selling clients' CARP-awarded land without consent, violating fiduciary duties.
Disbarment for Gross Immorality: Marital Infidelity and the Lawyer's Duty of Good Moral Character
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross immorality and marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for membership in the Philippine Bar.
Breach of Trust When Court Personnel Exploit Position FOR Personal Gain
When a lawyer misappropriates client funds and neglects a case, the Supreme Court may impose the ultimate penalty of disbarment.