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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Breach of Trust: The Price of Corruption for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on estafa by abuse of confidence, explaining the crime, penalties, and why deceit need not be proven.
Bouncing Checks and Civil Liability: Why You Can't Sue Separately for a BP 22 Violation in the Philippines
Learn why a bounced check can lead to estafa prosecution, not just BP 22, and what this means for your civil remedies.
When Judges Ignore Court Directives: Administrative Consequences in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rulings show judges who disregard court directives face administrative liability, including fines, suspension, or dismissal from service.
Understanding Statutory Rape and Qualified Rape in the Philippines: Insights from Arpon v. People
The Supreme Court's Arpon ruling clarifies statutory rape, qualified rape, and the need to prove each charge separately.
Probating Foreign Wills in the Philippines: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to probate a foreign will in the Philippines, including the legal requirements, court process, and practical steps for heirs and executors.
When Strikes Go Wrong: Illegal Dismissals and Union Security Clauses in the Philippines
Learn when terminating employees for union disloyalty is illegal, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on certification elections and union security.
Ethical Boundaries for Court Employees: Simple Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on simple misconduct shows why court employees face exacting moral standards even in private life.
Accountability in Public Office: Understanding Malversation of Public Funds in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the elements of malversation of public funds and why restitution does not erase criminal liability for accountable officers.
Demurrage Recovery in the Philippines: How Subrogation Protects Payers
Learn how legal subrogation allows an indent representative to collect demurrage from a defaulting buyer, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Verbal Dismissal in the Philippines: Why Oral Termination Is Illegal Without Due Process
Verbal dismissal alone cannot lawfully end employment in the Philippines. Learn the due process rules from Uy v. Centro Ceramica.
Establishing Filiation A Prerequisite FOR Child Support Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine law requires proof of filiation before child support can be claimed. Learn the rules and legal process.
Malicious Mischief in the Philippines: Intent, Property Damage, and Road Rage Cases
Learn how Philippine courts prove malicious mischief under the Revised Penal Code, and why intent matters in road rage property damage cases.
When Lawyers Face Discipline: The Tan v. Gumba Case and Professional Responsibility in the Philippines
A lawyer who deceived a client into a loan through false documents was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Brief Detention Still Counts: Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention in the Philippines
Even one hour of illegal restraint can be kidnapping of a minor. Learn the elements and penalties under Article 267.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Eminent Domain Just Compensation: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for underground tunnel taking under eminent domain, protecting landowners' constitutional rights.
Simplified Union Registration in the Philippines: Understanding DOLE Department Order 40-03
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Department Order 40-03, confirming simplified registration rules for local chapters of labor federations.
Repeated Infractions: When Company Policy Violations Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that an employee's repeated violations of company rules can justify dismissal, even if past offenses were already penalized.
Levy on Mortgaged Property in the Philippines: Sheriff's Duties Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs may levy mortgaged properties to satisfy judgments, as debtors retain beneficial ownership until foreclosure.
Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines: Why Possession Beats Ownership in Ejectment Cases
In ejectment cases, physical possession matters more than ownership. Learn the rule from Barrientos v. Rapal.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
Proving Rape in the Philippines: Force, Intimidation, and Rejecting the Sweetheart Defense
How Philippine courts weigh force and intimidation in rape cases, and why the sweetheart defense fails without solid proof.
Standing to Sue: Why Outsiders Can't Question Court Decisions in Philippine Law
Learn why only parties with legal standing can challenge court decisions in the Philippines, based on Home Guaranty Corp. v. R-II Builders.