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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When Aiding a Principal Overshadows Accessory Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when helping a principal offender may constitute grave misconduct rather than mere accessory liability in administrative cases.
Serving Summons Ensuring Due Process and Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Serving summons correctly is key to court jurisdiction. Learn the rules on personal and substituted service from a Supreme Court case.
Witness Credibility and Treachery Affirming Murder Conviction Despite Eyewitness Limitations
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that a lone eyewitness's testimony, despite limitations, suffices to prove guilt and treachery.
When Waivers Fail: Prescription and Due Process in Tax Assessments
A waiver of the tax prescription period must strictly follow BIR rules; defects void it and bar assessment.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
When a Solemn Promise Isn't Proof: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process in Labor Cases
SC ruling explains why an employee's written promise to return money is not enough to justify dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Double Jeopardy: The Perils of Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts
Filing multiple cases seeking the same relief in different courts is forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Villamor v. Manalastas.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Administrative Regulation
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke securities registration without a separate hearing, distinguishing regulatory from quasi-judicial powers.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: When Due Process Is Satisfied
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC revocation of securities registration complies with due process, and what issuers must do.
SEC Regulatory Powers: Revocation of Securities Registration and Due Process
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory power to revoke securities registration and what due process requires in administrative proceedings.
SEC Revocation of Securities Registration: Due Process in Corporate Filings
Supreme Court clarifies when SEC may revoke a corporation's securities registration for reportorial lapses without a separate hearing.
Bigamy Conviction Upheld Despite Void Second Marriage Understanding Fraud AND Legal Consequences
Supreme Court affirms bigamy conviction of second spouse who knowingly married a man with a subsisting marriage, ruling she cannot escape liability by claiming her own fraudulent marriage was void.
Consent and Doubt: When Inconsistent Testimony Leads to Acquittal in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a rape accused, ruling that inconsistent victim testimony and doubtful circumstances create reasonable doubt.
Ancestral Domain vs Resettlement: Calauit Island Land Rights Resolved
Supreme Court rules CADT issuance renders Calauit settlers' eviction case moot, recognizing Tagbanua ancestral domain rights.
Clerks of Court Upholding Fiscal Responsibility and Timely Remittances of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for delayed fund remittances, imposing fines for neglect of duty.
Surety Bond Liability and Due Process in Wrongful Attachment Cases
Learn when surety bonds can be enforced after wrongful attachment, and the due process rules that protect sureties in Philippine courts.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.
R.A. 8532 Extends DAR Authority to Issue Notices of Coverage Beyond 1998
The Supreme Court clarifies that R.A. 8532 extended the DAR's authority to issue Notices of Coverage beyond the original 10-year CARP period.
When a Final Judgment Violates the Law on Bouncing Checks: Correcting an Excessive Penalty
The Supreme Court corrected an excessive fine in a final BP 22 conviction, showing when final judgments may be modified.
Sumbilla v. Matrix Finance: When Courts Correct Excessive Penalties in Final Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court relaxed the finality rule to correct an excessive fine in a BP 22 conviction, protecting debtors from penalties beyond the law's limits.
Writ of Amparo Not a Shield for Deportation: Mison v. Gallegos
The Supreme Court clarifies that the writ of amparo covers only extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary immigration detention.
Rape by Sexual Assault: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Incest Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies how rape by sexual assault is proven and penalized when a father assaults his minor daughter.
Upholding Due Process and Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and the four-fold test for employer-employee relationship.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Just Cause at the Time of Termination
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just cause, due process, and burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.