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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Reinstatement vs. Abandonment: How the Supreme Court Determines Illegal Dismissal and Employee Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee is illegally dismissed, when retirement is truly voluntary, and what backwages and separation pay are owed.
Drug Testing on the High Seas: Upholding Seafarer Dismissal for Marijuana Use
Supreme Court rules on seafarer dismissal for positive marijuana test, due process, and drug test evidence in maritime cases.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases requires a full trial to determine the child's best interests, not just the child's production in court.
Employee vs Corporate Officer: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company administrator is a regular employee, not a corporate officer, for labor jurisdiction purposes.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.
CBA Renegotiation Preserving Workers Rights TO Union Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how CBA renegotiation affects the 60-day freedom period for certification elections and union representation rights.
Foreclosure Notice Requirements: BPI v. Puzon on Posting, Publication, and Presumption of Regularity
Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure, upholding sale where publication was made and presumption of regularity applied.
Probable Cause and Warrantless Searches: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when roadside warrantless searches are valid in drug cases and how probable cause protects accused persons' rights.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Compliance
Supreme Court clarifies that minor defects in posting certificates don't invalidate extrajudicial foreclosure when publication and notice requirements are substantially met.
Reconveyance and Good Faith: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies reconveyance actions, good faith purchasers, and why registration alone does not vest land ownership in the Philippines.
Electric Cooperative's Negligence in Power Line Installation: Proximate Cause Ruling
Supreme Court affirms liability of electric cooperative for electrocution injuries, applying proximate cause and foreseeability tests in negligence cases.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Contractual Obligations: Interpreting Intent and the Parol Evidence Rule in Loan Agreements
When a loan agreement's terms are clear, courts enforce the written word—not verbal promises. The Supreme Court explains why in Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying RA 6657 Valuation Principles
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Insubordination vs Humane Consideration: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo clarifies when insubordination and loss of confidence justify dismissal.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
St. Luke's v. Fadrigo: Loss of Trust and Confidence Needs Substantial Evidence
In St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo, the Supreme Court rules that dismissal for breach of trust must rest on substantial evidence.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Proximate Cause in Philippine Electric Accident Cases
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur and proximate cause principles to hold an electric cooperative liable for electrocution injuries.
Defining Expertise Qualifications for Judiciary's Information Systems Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies qualification standards for MISO leadership, balancing legal expertise with ICT proficiency.
Ejectment Actions Ownership Disputes DO NOT Suspend Ejectment Proceedings
Filing an ownership dispute does not suspend an ejectment case. The Supreme Court explains why in Samonte v. Century Savings Bank.