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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Company Practice and Holiday Pay: Lessons from Nippon Paint Philippines v. NIPPEA
When does a two-year payroll grant become a company practice employers cannot withdraw? The Supreme Court explains in Nippon Paint.
Duty to Account: Belated Compliance Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Public Officers
The Supreme Court rules that a public officer's belated liquidation of cash advances does not erase criminal liability under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
When Signing an Inspection Report Is Not Dishonesty: Insights from Gaspar v. Field Investigation Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when signing an inspection report does not amount to serious dishonesty or conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Seafarer Disability Claims: The 3-Day Reporting Rule and Its Exceptions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to report within 3 days of repatriation does not bar disability benefits.
When a Notarized Deed of Sale Fails: Consent Is Key in Philippine Property Transfers
A notarized deed does not guarantee a valid sale. The Supreme Court explains why genuine consent is essential in property transactions.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Negligence Doesnt Justify Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when simple negligence or carelessness cannot justify termination, explaining the standards for loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment.
When Credit Extensions Make Insurance Policies Valid: Chartis v. Cyber City
The Supreme Court clarifies when non-payment of premiums does not invalidate an insurance policy, and when insurers may collect.
When Does an NLRC Reinstatement Order Become Enforceable? Key Lessons from Concordo v. Erjohn & Almark Transit
The Supreme Court clarifies when an NLRC reinstatement order becomes final and executory, and the reckoning point for accrued backwages.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal: The Mesina Case on Workplace Discourtesy
When does talking back to a superior become serious misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid dismissal and 13th month pay.
Trademark Cancellation: When Registration Does Not Guarantee Ownership
The Supreme Court explains when a trademark registration can be cancelled despite the prima facie presumption of ownership it grants.
Understanding Treachery in Homicide Cases: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery qualifies killing to murder, and when it does not.
Teacher Misconduct and Child Abuse: When Dismissal Is Justified in the Philippines
When does teacher misconduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of compassionate justice in child abuse cases.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Key Lessons from Paez v. MARELCO
A look at when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when it does not, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Trust and Misappropriation in Philippine Estafa Cases: Key Lessons from a Landmark Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies estafa under Article 315(1)(b), explaining trust receipt obligations, demand requirements, and why partial payment does not erase criminal liability.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Preponderance of Evidence in Philippine Law
An acquittal does not automatically erase civil liability. Learn how preponderance of evidence applies in Philippine law.
Probate of an Alien's Will in the Philippines: Nationality Principle Explained
Philippine courts can probate a foreigner's will executed in the Philippines. The nationality principle does not strip local courts of jurisdiction.
Judicial Misconduct and the Consequences of Soliciting Bribes: A Landmark Ruling on Integrity in the Philippin
The Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Amor clarifies that resignation does not erase administrative liability for judicial misconduct like bribery.
Understanding Employee Resignation and Management Prerogative in the Workplace
When does a worker's refusal to follow a policy become voluntary resignation? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between quitting and dismissal.
Fiscal Autonomy and Compensation Limits for Government Corporations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that fiscal autonomy does not give government corporations unlimited power to grant employee benefits without proper approval.
Understanding Conflict of Interest: A Lawyer's Duty of Loyalty in Settlement Negotiations
When does a lawyer's settlement talk with the opposing party become a conflict of interest? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a lawyer's duty of loyalty.
Lateral Transfers and Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
When a government employee's lateral transfer appointment is disapproved, does the employee automatically revert to a former position? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Understanding Statutory Rape in the Philippines: The Impact of Victim Recantation on Convictions
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases when the victim recants, and why recantation alone does not automatically overturn a conviction.
When Does Inordinate Delay Begin in Ombudsman Cases? Quemado v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies that fact-finding investigations do not count in computing inordinate delay in Ombudsman cases.
Lawyer-Client Relationship and Professional Ethics: Lessons from Zamora v. Gallanosa
When does a lawyer-client relationship begin, and what happens when a lawyer abandons a case? The Supreme Court clarifies in Zamora v. Gallanosa.