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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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.
Plea Bargaining in Drug Cases: The Supreme Court Framework and DOJ Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on plea bargaining in drug cases, balancing judicial discretion with prosecutorial consent under A.M. No. 18-03-16-SC and DOJ Circular No. 18.
Minimum Wage Compliance: Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes
Employers must prove wage payments in labor disputes. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a delivery helper's underpayment case.
People v. Achay: When Denial and Alibi Fail Against Positive Identification
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for murder and attempted homicide, explaining why denial and alibi cannot beat positive identification by credible witnesses.
AWOL in the Judiciary: Dropping From the Rolls and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court explains when a court employee may be dropped from the rolls for absence without official leave under the 2017 RACCS.
When Alibi and Denial Cannot Overturn Positive Identification: A Philippine Law Perspective
Philippine Supreme Court explains when alibi and denial fail against positive identification, with rules on treachery and stop and frisk.
Libel in the Philippines: When Posting a Complaint Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of libel, including publication and malice, in a case involving posted criminal complaints.
Safeguarding Minors: The Supreme Court's Stance on Trafficking and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court reinstates a qualified trafficking case, clarifying probable cause standards and protecting minors from exploitation.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Constructive Dismissal vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Employee Rights and Business Needs
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that labor contracts cannot override statutory security of tenure; retrenchment requires proof of actual business losses.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in Philippine Courts? The Monsanto Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation can sue in the Philippines, focusing on transactions through local indentors.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Laws Protect Workers Abroad
Philippine labor laws protect OFWs from illegal dismissal, even abroad. Learn the rules on retrenchment, due process, and remedies.
Heirship in Property Disputes: Can Ordinary Civil Actions Decide Inheritance?
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirship can be resolved in an ordinary civil action, not just special proceedings, for property disputes.
Domicile vs Residency: Protecting the Electorate's Choice in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between domicile and residency in election cases, protecting the electorate's choice.
Party-List Nominee Qualifications: Supreme Court Strikes Down Ban on Losing Candidates
The Supreme Court ruled Congress may set party-list nominee qualifications, but struck down the ban on losing candidates as violating equal protection.
Circumventing Procurement Laws: Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Local Officials
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Buguias officials who bypassed competitive bidding under R.A. 9184, reinforcing public trust standards.
Combating Human Trafficking: Elements and Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of trafficking in persons under RA 9208, as amended, and the penalties for violators.
Upholding SEC Authority: Courts Cannot Enjoin SEC Orders on Investment Contracts
The Supreme Court holds a judge liable for gross ignorance of the law for issuing injunctions against an SEC cease and desist order.
Unmasking Labor Only Contracting Regular Employment Rights Prevail
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules, affirming that workers performing core tasks for a principal are regular employees entitled to full protection.
Prejudicial Question in the Philippines: Suspension, Not Dismissal, of Criminal Cases
A prejudicial question suspends, not dismisses, a criminal case. Learn the rule from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Beyond Irresponsibility: Defining Psychological Incapacity in Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's immaturity and irresponsibility rise to the level of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.