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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Voluntary Retirement vs. Illegal Dismissal: The Thin Line in Philippine Labor Law
When does a voluntary retirement program cross the line into illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Quevedo v. BENECO.
Sleeping on the Job: When Serious Misconduct Justifies Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sleeping during work hours constitutes serious misconduct justifying termination under the Labor Code.
Family Home vs Creditors: When Annulment Doesn't Shield Property From Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a family home can be sold to settle debts after marriage annulment, and the finality of court orders.
Defining Public Officer When Private Sector Representatives Face Graft Charges
Supreme Court ruling on when private sector board members are public officers under the Anti-Graft Law and Sandiganbayan jurisdiction.
CSC Jurisdiction Over Teacher Discipline Cases: The Macud Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies CSC jurisdiction over administrative cases involving public school teachers, even under RA 4670.
Safeguarding Elections Upholding Automation Despite Challenges To Validity
The Supreme Court upheld the 2010 election automation contract, affirming Comelec's authority to implement the automated election system despite challenges.
Balancing Legal Expertise and Technical Skills in Judiciary Qualification Standards
How the Supreme Court revised qualification standards for MISO and PMO chiefs, balancing legal expertise with technical skills.
Disbarred Lawyer's Misrepresentation: Continuing Practice and Contempt Liability
A disbarred lawyer who misrepresents himself as an attorney and practices law commits indirect contempt, the Supreme Court rules.
Retrenchment Must Follow Fair Criteria: Seniority Matters in Employee Layoffs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove losses and use fair criteria like seniority when selecting employees to lay off.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Gross Ignorance of Law and Misconduct in Contempt Proceedings
The Supreme Court fined a retired judge P80,000 for gross ignorance of the law and gross misconduct in contempt proceedings against Land Bank officials.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: When Cost-Cutting Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court explains when retrenchment is illegal: employer must prove losses, use fair criteria, and follow notice rules.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality in Landmark Administrative Case
Supreme Court dismisses judge for extramarital affair and suspends him from law practice for three years.
Supreme Court Disciplines Judge for Extramarital Affair: Dismissal and Three-Year Suspension
SC dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Reckless Driving and Vicarious Liability: When Insurers Can Recover Damages
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict, negligence, and owner liability for vehicle accidents in the Philippines.
Citizenship by Election: Untangling the Complexities of Philippine Nationality Law
A look at how the Supreme Court handled a deportation case hinging on a father's belated election of Philippine citizenship under the 1935 Constitution.
Credibility of Rape Victim’s Testimony: Key Lessons from Arcosiba v. People
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, stressing that a minor victim’s clear and consistent testimony prevails over the accused’s denial and alibi.
When May a Court Excuse a Late Pre-Trial Brief? BPI v. Dando
The Supreme Court relaxed a mandatory procedural rule to let a bank pursue its collection suit, showing when courts may excuse a late pre-trial brief.
Striking a Balance When Justice Requires Flexibility in Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court explains when courts may relax mandatory procedural rules, using a bank's late pre-trial brief as the case in point.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Employer Duties and Employee Rights in Termination Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
The Unwavering Testimony Convicting Accused in Robbery With Rape Cases Based on Victim Credibility
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on the victim's credible testimony, explaining why her word alone can convict an accused.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Integrity of Evidence for a Fair Trial
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Meralco's Disconnection Rights: Balancing Power Supply and Due Process
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on when a power utility's right to disconnect for pilferage must yield to a consumer's right to due process.
Attorney Authority and Due Process After a Client's Death: Protecting Heirs' Rights
When a client dies mid-case, counsel's authority and the heirs' right to due process must be protected. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Prior Possession Prevails in Forcible Entry Disputes: The Lopez v. Espinosa Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession, not ownership, determines forcible entry cases, even when the intruder holds title.