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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Finished Contract VS Medical Repatriation Understanding Seafarer Disability Claims IN THE Philippines
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
Breach of Trust vs Due Process: When Dismissed Employees Get Separation Pay in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, distinguishing just causes under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Betrayal of Trust: Convicting a Father for the Rape of His Daughter in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape of his minor daughter, explaining the rules on credibility, force, and penalties.
Quantum Meruit and Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Filing Claims After Case Finality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering attorney's fees via quantum meruit after a case becomes final, with timing rules.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Authority: Enforceability of Decisions Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions remain enforceable despite pending appeals, balancing administrative discipline with due process.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Candidacy: The Renunciation Requirement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that renouncing foreign citizenship to run for local office must be complete and unequivocal—using a foreign passport after renunciation can disqualify a candidate.
Defining Regular Employment Security Benefits FOR Seasonal Farm Workers IN THE Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal farm workers are regular employees entitled to SSS coverage and benefits under Philippine law.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from defective tax sales and uphold due process in property forfeiture cases.
Stock Certificate Delivery: A Prerequisite for Valid Stock Transfer in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why physical delivery of stock certificates is essential to transfer ownership and what it means for buyers and sellers.
Protecting Children Consent IS Irrelevant IN Child Sexual Abuse Cases IN THE Philippines
Claim Denied Strict Compliance Required FOR Local TAX Refund Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local tax refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Attorney’s Fees in the Philippines: When Courts Can Award Them
Philippine courts cannot award attorney's fees without clear justification. Learn the rules under Article 2208 of the Civil Code.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does a Threat Justify Homicide in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a threat justifies killing in self-defense, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not mere intimidation.
Direct vs Collateral Attack: Clarifying Land Title Disputes in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a counterclaim to nullify a land title is a permissible direct attack, not a barred collateral one.
Upholding Due Process: Strict Requirements for Substituted Service of Summons in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for substituted service of summons in Philippine civil cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Chu v. Mach Asia Trading Corporation.
Tolerance and Land Ownership: How Permissive Use Impacts Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possession by mere tolerance cannot ripen into ownership through prescription or adverse possession.
Digital Ballots As Primary Evidence Protecting Electoral Integrity In The Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that digital ballot images from PCOS machines are functional equivalents of physical ballots, protecting elections from tampering.
Certiorari vs. Appeal: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when to use certiorari versus appeal, and why pursuing both remedies simultaneously can be fatal to a case.
Judicial Accountability vs Erroneous Judgments: Protecting Judicial Independence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, erroneous judgments, and the constitutional protection of judicial independence.
Navigating Entrapment Proving Illegal Drug Sale AND Possession Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish valid buy-bust operations from entrapment, and what proof is needed to convict for illegal drug sale or possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Second Chances: Reinstating Disbarred Attorneys Through Judicial Clemency in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court reinstated a disbarred lawyer through judicial clemency, and the guidelines for seeking a second chance.