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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Abandonment of Work and Due Process: When Dismissal Is Valid but Still Costs the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandoning work is a just cause for dismissal, but employers who skip the two-notice rule still pay nominal damages.
Stipulation Pour Autrui: The Beneficiary's Right and Timely Acceptance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stipulation pour autrui requisites, acceptance timing, and repurchase rights under Article 1606 in Narvaez v. Alciso.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Disciplinary Actions for Delayed Case Resolution in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds judges and clerks of court accountable for delayed case resolution, reinforcing the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Retirement Rights Prevail Resolving Appointment Disputes IN Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how retirement moots appointment disputes in civil service reorganization cases.
Voter Registration Integrity False Statements AND Election Candidacy
SC ruling on double voter registration and false statements in certificates of candidacy under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code.
No More Extensions for Certiorari Petitions: The Strict 60-Day Rule Under A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts can no longer grant extensions for Rule 65 certiorari petitions after A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC deleted the allowance.
Prescription and Land Ownership: Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Land Possessors
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the right to repurchase land works, when acceptance of a contract benefit is valid, and why builders on their own land need no protection.
When Retirement Moots a Disapproved Appointment: CSC vs. Tahanlangit
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that optional retirement during the appeal period renders a CSC appointment disapproval moot.
Robbery With Homicide: When the Killing Lacks the Required Connection to the Robbery
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a killing is "by reason or on the occasion" of robbery, and when separate crimes result instead.
When Does a Retirement Moot an Appointment Disapproval? A CSC Case Study
Explore Civil Service Commission v. Tahanlangit, where the Supreme Court ruled on when retirement renders an appointment disapproval moot.
Election Appeal Fees and Estoppel: Divinagracia v. Comelec Explained
The Supreme Court rules that belatedly questioning unpaid election appeal fees may be barred by estoppel by laches. Learn the rules.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Corporate Officer Liability in Labor Disputes
When can corporate officers be personally liable for labor claims? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil in Nisda v. Sea Serve Maritime Agency.
Mental Retardation and Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: People v. Martinez
The Supreme Court affirms that mental retardation alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying credibly.
Lost Appeal Timeliness Rules in Expropriation Cases in the Philippines
When must an expropriation appeal be filed? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies appeal timeliness rules in land compensation cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Victim's Credibility and Immediate Reporting Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, emphasizing victim credibility, immediate reporting, and trial court deference in assessing witness testimony.
Seafarers Disability: Proving Work-Related Illness Under the POEA Contract
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on a seafarer's disability claim for heart disease under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Contractual Obligations Prevail Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements in Labor Disputes
When CBA terms are clear, courts enforce them literally—even if the employer later finds the deal unfavorable.
Spousal Consent in Real Estate Sales: When a Sale Without It Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why selling conjugal property without the wife's consent makes the sale void, explained in plain language.
Attorney Disbarred for Gross Neglect and Misappropriation of Client Funds
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who neglected a client's criminal case and misappropriated P18,000 intended for bail bond.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Chain of Custody in Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, explaining the rules on entrapment and evidence integrity.
Easement Rights in Property Use Disputes: The Legaspi Towers 300 Case
Supreme Court clarifies when easements arise in property disputes, explaining voluntary easements, apparent signs, and unjust enrichment under Philippine law.
Forum Shopping in Ejectment Cases: Lessons from Dy v. Mandy Commodities
Filing two ejectment suits over the same property amounts to forum shopping, a practice the Supreme Court penalizes with twin dismissal.
Reclassifying Criminal Liability Murder Conviction Upheld Despite Initial Kidnapping Charge
Supreme Court clarifies when taking a victim is incidental to killing—reclassifying kidnapping with murder to plain murder in People v. Estacio.
Default Orders and the Law of the Case: When Prior Rulings Bind Subsequent Appeals
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of law of the case bars relitigating a default order previously upheld with finality.