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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Negligence in Notarization: Lawyers Must Verify Identity to Avoid Malpractice
A notary's failure to verify identity through competent evidence can lead to suspension and loss of notarial commission.
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.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: When Bad Faith Defeats First-to-File
Prior use can defeat a first-to-file trademark application if the applicant acted in bad faith. Learn the rule and its exceptions.
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.
Judicial Misconduct and Its Impact on Marital Nullity: Procedural Lapses and Ethical Violations
A judge's suspension for gross ignorance and misconduct reveals the critical safeguards protecting marital nullity proceedings from fraud and abuse.
Proving Employer-Employee Relationship in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A look at Sermona v. Hacienda Lumboy and the rules on proving employer-employee relationships in illegal dismissal cases in the Philippines.
Judge Suspended for Gross Ignorance in Nullity of Marriage Cases
Supreme Court suspends judge for one year for procedural lapses in nullity of marriage cases and unauthorized solemnization of marriages.
Omission of Drug Quantity in Information: Can Conviction Still Stand?
The Supreme Court clarifies when an Information's failure to state drug quantity affects conviction and penalty in drug cases.
Child Abuse Law: Grave Threats and Psychological Harm to Minors Under RA 7610
The Supreme Court clarifies when threats against a child constitute child abuse under RA 7610, not just grave threats.
Solicitation and Sanctions: Upholding Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for soliciting clients and making false charges, reaffirming ethical standards in the legal profession.
Inter-Company Loans and VAT: When Interest Income Is Not Taxable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when interest on inter-company loans is exempt from VAT and how prescription periods apply.