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.
Understanding Estoppel by Laches: When Silence Can Cost You Your Case
Learn how the Supreme Court applied estoppel by laches to bar a party from questioning a court's jurisdiction after years of silence and active participation.
Mandamus as a Remedy Against Unlawful Exclusion: Lessons from Municipality of Payao v. Municipality of Imelda
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus—not quo warranto—is the proper remedy against unlawful exclusion from a right or office.
Understanding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Legal Compliance Guide
Learn how the Supreme Court clarifies procedural rules on chain of custody in drug cases, ensuring legal compliance and protecting rights.
What Happens to an Administrative Case When the Respondent Dies? (Philippines)
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether death of a respondent ends a pending administrative case, citing due process and heirs' protection.
When Lawyer Silence Becomes Negligence: The Duty to Communicate with Clients
The Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer-client relationship can exist without a written contract, and silence can amount to professional negligence.
Racist Behavior as Serious Misconduct: What Ocampo v. International Ship Crew Management Means for Philippine
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's racist treatment of crew members justifies dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Gross Neglect of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances in Philippine Civil Service
When can mitigating circumstances lessen the penalty for gross neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas v. Bool.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, or abandonment can justify terminating an employee under Philippine labor law.
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.
Illegal Dismissal: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Fails as Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment are valid grounds for dismissing an employee.
Management Prerogative vs. Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, negligence, and abandonment justify dismissal, protecting employees from arbitrary termination.
Employee Termination for Unauthorized Absences: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle employee termination for unauthorized absences and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
Special Administrators in Estate Cases: Residency Matters More Than Citizenship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that residency, not citizenship, determines who may serve as special administrator in estate proceedings.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Proving Legitimate Filiation: Key to Winning Philippine Inheritance Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bernardo v. Fernando clarifies what evidence proves legitimate filiation for inheritance claims.
When Following Orders Is Not Gross Neglect: A Lawyer’s Guide to Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer following superior directives in implementing Ombudsman orders is not guilty of gross neglect of duty.
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.
Gross Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A lawyer who abandoned his client, ignored court orders, and borrowed money from a client faced a three-year suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Simple Neglect of Duty by Court Personnel: A Lesson from A.M. No. P-20-4075
When court staff fail to serve an order of release, the consequences can be grave. This ruling clarifies their duty and liability.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Understanding Default Judgments When Courts Must Allow Late Answers
When can courts allow late answers? This article explains default judgment rules and when courts must permit a defendant to file a late answer.