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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Healthcare Allowances for Government Employees: Defining a Health Program Under the Law
The Supreme Court disallowed TESDA's P5,000 healthcare allowance, ruling that a health program under CSC rules cannot be converted into cash without presidential approval.
Parental Authority vs Child's Rights: Defining Intimidation in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court clarifies intimidation in incestuous qualified rape, affirming father's conviction for three counts against minor daughter.
Finality of Judgment in Illegal Dismissal: What "Other Benefits" Really Covers
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on retirement pay and allowances in illegal dismissal cases, and why final judgments are immutable.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Civil Service Exam Fraud: Forged Signatures and Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on Civil Service exam fraud, forged signatures, and the consequences of dishonesty in public service employment.
Relaxation of Appeal Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes: Balancing Access to Justice and Protection of Labor
Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may relax appeal bond rules in labor cases, balancing employer access to appeal with worker protection.
Upholding Honesty in Legal Practice: Consequences for Submitting False Affidavits
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for six months for submitting a falsified affidavit in court, reaffirming the duty of candor and integrity in legal practice.
Tax Refund Claims: Proving Excess Creditable Withholding Tax Without Quarterly ITRs
Supreme Court rules quarterly ITRs of succeeding year are not indispensable in proving excess creditable withholding tax refund claims.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Prevails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on chain of custody in drug possession cases, explaining why substantial compliance with Section 21 suffices.
Refund of Excess Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on refund of excess creditable withholding taxes, the two-year prescriptive period, and evidence required.
Seafarer Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Procedures and Assessment Timelines
Learn how the 240-day rule and POEA-SEC procedures govern seafarer disability claims, and why following the assessment process matters.
Standardized Salaries vs Additional Compensation: Navigating Government Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees may receive allowances beyond standardized salaries under RA 6758, the Salary Standardization Law.
Pre-Trial Attendance Is Key: Consequences of Absenteeism in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts require strict compliance with pre-trial rules. Learn the consequences of absence and the rules on reconstitution of titles.
Due Process and Prosecutorial Review: Ensuring Fair Hearings in Philippine Justice
Explore how the Supreme Court protects employee rights through due process, prosecutorial review, and fair hearings in Philippine labor disputes.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Tax Assessment Limits and Due Process in Withholding Tax Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on prescription periods and due process requirements in tax assessments, using the Samar-I Electric Cooperative case.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Can a Client Reopen a Case
When a lawyer's mistake hurts a client's case, can the case be reopened? The Supreme Court explains the limits of due process and counsel negligence.
Qualified Theft and Circumstantial Evidence: When Conviction Stands Without Direct Proof
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict for qualified theft, and how courts fix the value of stolen goods.
Upholding Corporate Governance: The Limits of Status Quo Orders in Intra-Corporate Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules for status quo orders in intra-corporate disputes, emphasizing due process, bonds, and the limits of provisional relief.
Deportation and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Proceedings for Resident Aliens
The Supreme Court clarifies deportation procedures, appeal remedies, and due process rights for resident aliens facing removal from the Philippines.
Rape Prosecution: No Requirement of Seclusion or Medical Findings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rape can occur in public places and medical findings are not indispensable for conviction.
Substitution in Elections: Comelec's Discretion and Due Process Rights
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on candidate substitution, the Comelec's ministerial duty, and the due process requirements in election cases.
Succession Disputes Resolving Conflicts IN Estate Administration AND Heir Designations
Balancing Public Safety and Private Property Access Rights on Limited Access Highways
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property owners' rights to access limited access highways like NLEX, balancing police power and private interests.