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.
Denial of Child Support as Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Key Lessons from Melgar v. People
The Supreme Court rules that withholding child support is economic abuse under RA 9262, even without proof of psychological anguish.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Dismissal for Immoral Conduct: Upholding Decency in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a process server for exposing himself to a janitress, ruling it disgraceful and immoral conduct—a second offense warranting the severest penalty.
Finality of Court Orders and the 3-Day Notice Rule: Ti v. Diño
The Supreme Court clarifies that defective motions do not toll the appeal period, and personal service is mandatory when practicable.
Disbarment for Deceit and Unauthorized Notarization: Ethical Standards for Lawyers
Supreme Court affirms suspension and notarial disqualification for a lawyer who used falsified documents and notarized outside his jurisdiction.
Dishonesty in Judicial Applications: When a Judge's False PDS Ends a Career
A judge's failure to disclose pending cases in her Personal Data Sheet led to dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal and what employers must prove.
Forged Signatures and Imprescriptibility in Co-Ownership Property Disputes
Forged deed transfers property by fraud; co-owner in possession can file imprescriptible quieting of title action.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Vehicle Collision Insurance Subrogation Case
Supreme Court affirms CA ruling holding driver negligent in highway collision, upholding insurer's subrogation claim for vehicle repair costs.
Protecting Victims: How Family Can Petition for Protection Orders Under the Anti-VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's family can file for protection orders under the Anti-VAWC Law, even after a criminal complaint is dismissed.
Corporate Liability Accountability FOR Unremitted SSS Contributions
Supreme Court affirms conviction of corporate officer for non-remittance of SSS contributions under RA 8282.
Trademark Infringement and Probable Cause: When the Secretary of Justice Abuses Discretion
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override the Secretary of Justice's dismissal of trademark infringement complaints for grave abuse of discretion.
Defamation and Free Speech: Balancing Criticism and Accountability in Libel Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when statements in legal pleadings lose privileged communication protection and become libelous.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause in Corporate Criminal Cases: The Ient v. Tullett Prebon Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when conspiracy and probable cause establish criminal liability for corporate officers under the Corporation Code.
Tax Evasion and Prescription: The Statute of Limitations in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the three-year prescriptive period for tax assessment applies, and why fraud must be proven to trigger the ten-year rule.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Estafa Acquittal and Civil Liability: Distinguishing Ex Delicto From Ex Contractu
When an estafa acquittal rests on a contract, civil liability ex delicto cannot be awarded; the creditor must file a separate civil action.
Forum Shopping in Administrative Cases: Dismissal Based on Identical Allegations
When do separate administrative complaints become forum shopping? The Supreme Court explains the rules on identical allegations and dismissal.
Indefinite Preventive Suspension Is Constructive Dismissal: Agcolicol v. Casiño
When an employer suspends a worker indefinitely beyond 30 days, the suspension ripens into constructive dismissal, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Judicial Impartiality: A Judge's Duty to Disqualify in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges must disqualify themselves from cases involving relatives, even at the warrant stage.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion: Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges for lack of probable cause, underscoring the limits of judicial review over prosecutorial discretion.