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 Judges Overstep Preliminary Investigation Boundaries: A Lesson in Judicial Overreach
SC ruling on a judge who issued arrest warrants without preliminary investigation, and the limits of judicial authority.
Upholding Ethical Standards Dismissal OF Disbarment Case DUE TO Lack OF Substantiated Evidence
Sheriff's Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal: Upholding Integrity in Court Service
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for extorting money from litigant, reaffirming strict standards of honesty for court personnel.
Ombudsman Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Limits of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of judicial review over prosecutorial findings in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the standard of grave abuse of discretion.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Dismiss an Employee?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing an employee on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Ethical Boundaries FOR Lawyers THE Perils OF Misconduct AND Unauthorized Practice
Judicial Restraint vs Workplace Conduct: Defining Boundaries of Authority and Decorum in the Philippine Judici
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's abuse of authority and a clerk's misconduct clarifies decorum standards for all judiciary personnel.
Solidary Liability of Overseas Employment Agencies in Illegal Dismissal Claims
When can a Philippine recruitment agency be held solidarily liable with a foreign employer for illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits.
Safeguarding Attorney Integrity: The Imperative of Clear Evidence in Disbarment Cases
Disbarment requires clear, convincing evidence. This article explains the standard of proof and due process in lawyer discipline cases.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.
Beyond Boundaries: How Erroneous Land Awards Undermine Property Rights and Due Process
When a buyer is evicted from purchased land, the proper remedy is warranty against eviction—not specific performance. This case explains why.
Substandard Deliveries in Government Contracts: When Penalties Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a milling contractor can be held liable for substandard rice deliveries under government contracts.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Work-Related Hypertension Compensability and the Teacher’s Plight Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that a public school teacher’s hypertension and stroke are compensable under PD 626, applying a liberal standard of proof.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Clear Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of disbarment case against Atty. Teodorico Diesmos, emphasizing the need for clear and convincing evidence in disciplinary proceedings.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Notarial Misconduct and Falsification of Documents
A lawyer-notary's antedated document and false acknowledgment lead to suspension, underscoring the sacred duty of notaries public.
Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Contract Law: Why Evidence Matters in Usage-Based Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Skippers United Pacific v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in seafarer dismissal cases and evidentiary standards.
Impersonation in Civil Service Exams: Upholding Integrity in Public Service
Court dismisses court employees for dishonesty after one impersonated another in the 1989 civil service exam, affirming strict standards for public servants.
Limits on Presidential Appointments: Qualification Standards in Public Office
When can courts nullify a presidential appointment? The Engaño case explains why appointees must meet minimum qualification standards.
Boundary Disputes: Proving Land Ownership in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts resolve boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of approved survey plans and proper identification of property.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Administrative Cases Against Baguio City Judges
The Supreme Court's consolidated ruling on administrative cases against Baguio City RTC judges clarifies standards of judicial conduct, propriety, and accountability.
Protecting OFW Wages: Unauthorized Contract Alterations and Employer Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on OFW salary reductions, unauthorized contract changes, and solidary employer liability under RA 8042.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.