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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Honoraria for Government Procurement: DBM Guidelines Are Mandatory
The Supreme Court ruled that BAC and TWG honoraria under RA 9184 require DBM guidelines; payments before these rules are disallowable.
Surety Bond Liability and Contract Changes in Construction Disputes: Stronghold v. Tokyu
When a construction contract changes, does a surety bond still hold? The Supreme Court explains in Stronghold v. Tokyu.
Judicial Accountability: Judges and Court Personnel Liable for Negligence in Bail Bond Processing
Supreme Court holds judge and clerk of court liable for gross neglect in approving bail without required documents, imposing fines on retirement benefits.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Warrant of Arrest Stands: Court Power Prevails Over DOJ Review
Supreme Court rules a judge's exclusive power to issue warrants of arrest cannot be suspended by a pending DOJ petition for review.
Party List Registration: What the Supreme Court Requires of Sectoral Organizations
The Supreme Court clarifies the requirements for party-list registration, emphasizing that organizations must genuinely represent marginalized sectors and cannot make untruthful claims.
Loss of Trust When Employee Criticism Doesnt Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach, not mere criticism or suspicion.
Redundancy, Retrenchment, and Strikes: Lessons from the Hyatt Regency Manila Case
The Supreme Court balances valid downsizing against illegal strikes, explaining redundancy, retrenchment, and quitclaims in the hotel industry.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Obligations: Understanding the Limits of Annulment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital flaws, refusal, or neglect do not amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and Weak Defenses of Denial and Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices and that denial and alibi are weak defenses.
Insurance Proceeds and Illicit Relationships: Who Gets the Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on who receives life insurance proceeds when beneficiaries are children from an illicit relationship.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
When Attorney Negligence Impacts Client Rights: The M+W Zander Illegal Dismissal Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer may validly dismiss for loss of trust and confidence, and when dismissal becomes illegal.
Contempt and Ethics in Legal Practice: The Ilusorio Case on Free Speech Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism becomes contempt and when a lawyer's conduct warrants suspension in Ilusorio v. Ilusorio.
Separation of Proceedings: Annulment Case Cannot Delay Writ of Possession
Supreme Court rules consolidation of annulment case with writ of possession petition is grave abuse, delays foreclosure remedy.
Carnapping Penalties: The Critical Importance of Allegations in the Information
In Andres v. People, the Supreme Court lowered a carnapping penalty because the Information failed to allege the qualifying circumstances proven at trial.
Constructive Dismissal When Unpaid Wages Create an Unjust Working Environment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules in labor cases, backwages, and reinstatement obligations of employers pending appeal.
Upholding Prosecutorial Powers of the Ombudsman: Lessons from Lazatin v. Desierto
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's prosecutorial powers and control over the Office of the Special Prosecutor in Lazatin v. Desierto.
Credible Testimony Prevails Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Minor Inconsistencies
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, holding that a credible victim's testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and bare denials.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Quasi-Contracts and Unjust Enrichment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when an acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability, citing quasi-contracts and solutio indebiti.
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Falsification vs Misappropriation: When Paper Renewal Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a salesman's "paper renewal" amounts to falsification warranting dismissal, and when it does not.
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Criminal Charges Can Proceed Without Prior Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can file criminal tax evasion charges without a prior formal assessment, distinguishing deficiency assessments from criminal prosecution.
Delivery in Sales Contracts: Ownership vs Possession and Prescription Periods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere possession transfer isn't?