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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Court Premises Are Not for Commercial Use: A Lesson in Judicial Dignity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Halls of Justice must be used exclusively for judicial functions, not commercial activities like raffle draws.
Employer-Employee Relationship Defines Labor Jurisdiction in Contractual Arrangements
When does a government-owned corporation become liable for a contractor's employees? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Spousal Consent in Conjugal Property Disposition Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains why a spouse cannot sell conjugal property without the other's written consent, and what buyers must verify.
When Government Corporations Are Not Employers: The LRTA Case on Labor Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations with original charters fall outside labor arbiter jurisdiction, using the LRTA-METRO case.
Establishing Filiation: The Evidentiary Standard for Illegitimate Children's Support Claims
A support promise without an admission of paternity does not establish filiation. Nepomuceno v. Lopez clarifies the rule.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
Union Registration Fraud Claims: What Eagle Ridge Teaches About Labor Organizing
Supreme Court clarifies when misrepresentation claims can cancel a union's registration, protecting workers' right to self-organization.
Lifting Sequestration Orders Protecting Assets From Mismanagement
When can a sequestration order be lifted for mismanagement? The Supreme Court explains the limits in YKR Corporation v. Sandiganbayan.
Contractual Interest Enforceability of Bank Lending Rates in Delayed Payments
Supreme Court rules stipulated bank lending rates apply automatically to delayed payments without need for separate consent.
Standardized Salaries vs Employee Benefits: Clarifying COLA Integration for Philippine Government Workers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COLA and similar allowances are deemed integrated into standardized government salaries under R.A. 6758.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Understanding Reasonable Doubt and Guilty Pleas in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on guilty pleas, territorial jurisdiction, and conviction based on evidence rather than plea alone.
Judicial Appointments and the Election Ban: De Castro v. Judicial and Bar Council
The Supreme Court rules on whether the President may appoint the Chief Justice during the election ban on midnight appointments.
Bail Pending Appeal After Conviction: Why Discretion Is Not Automatic
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Leviste v. Court of Appeals on bail pending appeal, judicial discretion, and the limits of certiorari.
Guilty Plea Lasting Impact Rape Conviction Stands Despite Procedural Errors
Supreme Court rules an improvident guilty plea does not void a rape conviction when credible evidence independently supports it.
Abandonment in Employment: The Imperative of Intent and the Employer’s Duty to Notify
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on abandonment of work, focusing on the employee's intent and the employer's responsibility to issue notices.
Moral Damages in Maritime Disasters: Who Can Claim After a Breach of Contract
Supreme Court rules only spouse, descendants, ascendants, and illegitimate children may claim moral damages for a passenger's death in a maritime disaster.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Unbroken Chain of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict in rape with homicide, and the penalties and damages that follow.
Jurisdictional Estoppel When Participation Waives Objections in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how active participation in trial can bar a party from later questioning the court's jurisdiction in property cases.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
Free Speech vs Child Protection: MTRCB's Power to Suspend TV Programs
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that allowed MTRCB to suspend a TV program for violating its G-rating with vulgar language, balancing free speech and child protection.
The High Cost of Deceit: Dismissal for Court Employees in Bigamy and Corruption Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treats dismissal of court employees involved in bigamy and corruption, and the consequences.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: What Lessees Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that right of first refusal in lease contracts survives expiration and binds the lessor to offer the property first.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: No Financial Assistance for Terminated Employees
The Supreme Court rules that employees dismissed for theft or dishonesty are not entitled to separation pay or financial assistance.