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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Ratification Validates Unauthorized Acts: Agency Law in Philippine Mortgages
Explaining how ratification under Philippine law validates an agent's unauthorized mortgage acts, as ruled in Prieto v. Court of Appeals.
Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Employer Faces Solidary Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable for the claims of workers hired through a labor-only contractor.
Upholding Decorum: Disrespectful Conduct by Court Personnel and Its Consequences
The Supreme Court rules on discourtesy by court personnel, emphasizing that respect and propriety are non-negotiable in the judiciary.
Breach of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an employer may validly dismiss an employee for loss of trust and confidence, citing Villanueva v. NLRC.
Loose Talk, High Cost: Public Employees and the Bounds of Decency
The Supreme Court sanctioned a Sandiganbayan driver for vulgar remarks about a co-worker, confirming that off-duty speech can still breach public service rules.
Misleading the Court and Defying Suspension Orders: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
A lawyer's suspension from practice is not a mere suggestion. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for misleading the court and appearing while suspended.
Mortgage Validity Upholding Security Interests Amid Corporate Disputes in Metrobank vs Centro Development Corp
Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage over corporate assets is valid, and when foreclosure exceeds the secured amount.
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Court Employee Reprimanded for Disrespectful Conduct Toward a Judge
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that discourtesy toward judges violates the Code of Conduct and diminishes public trust.
When Prescription Stops: Filing Complaints with Prosecutors Under Special Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies that filing a complaint with the prosecutor's office interrupts prescription for special laws like BP 22.
Compromise Offers and Debt Obligations: When Words Don't Bind Lawyers
A lawyer's compromise offer in a debt dispute can imply guilt. Learn the ethical rules and prescription rules for lawyer discipline.
Self-Defense Claim Fails Without Unlawful Aggression in Murder Conviction
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, holding that self-defense requires proof of unlawful aggression, which was absent when the victim was unarmed and attacked suddenly.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: Distinguishing Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trust receipts and loan obligations, and the legal consequences for banks and borrowers.
Piercing THE Corporate Veil Defining Liability IN Business Closure Scenarios
Automated Elections Public Bidding vs Comelec Discretion in Purchasing the AES for the 2013 Elections
Supreme Court upholds Comelec's exercise of option to purchase PCOS machines for 2013 elections, ruling no new public bidding was required.
Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform Valuing Land AT THE Time OF Taking
Perfecting Land Titles: Continuous Possession and the June 12, 1945 Threshold
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves continuous possession since June 12, 1945 for judicial confirmation of imperfect land titles.
Escheat Proceedings: Banks Must Notify Depositors Before Dormant Funds Are Transferred to the State
Philippine Supreme Court rules on banks' duty to notify depositors before dormant funds are escheated to the state, protecting depositor rights.
Bank Not Liable for Branch Manager's Unauthorized Guarantee: UCPB v. Planters Products
Supreme Court rules banks are not bound by branch managers' unauthorized guarantees, protecting banks from liability in connivance schemes.
Navigating Overlapping Lawsuits: Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts penalize forum shopping and litis pendentia through the Supreme Court ruling in Yap v. Court of Appeals.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: What People v. Bayrante Teaches
In People v. Bayrante, the Supreme Court affirmed rape convictions where the victim had mild mental retardation, ruling that mental deficiency negates consent.
Loss of Confidence as a Valid Ground for Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can an employer fire a worker for loss of confidence? The Paulino v. NLRC case explains the rules.