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.
Liability for Unfounded Accusations: Upholding Personal Dignity in Theft Investigations
When a theft suspect is publicly accused without proof, Philippine law on human relations may award moral damages.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Perfecting Mortgage Registration: Entry Book Notice Prevails Despite Fee Delay
Supreme Court clarifies that entry in the Register of Deeds' primary entry book constitutes registration, even if fees are paid the next day.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Cash Bail vs Surety Bonds: Cancellation Rights Under Philippine Law
When can a cash bail be cancelled in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the key difference between cash deposits and surety bonds.
Judge's Erroneous Release of Supersedeas Bond and Rental Deposits in Ejectment Case
A judge who allowed a defendant to withdraw the supersedeas bond and rental deposits pending appeal in an ejectment case was held liable for gross ignorance of the law.
A Judge's Duty to Supervise Court Procedures and Uphold the Revised Rule on Summary Procedure
When a judge fails to supervise court staff and apply the Summary Procedure Rules, justice suffers — and so does the judge.
Supreme Court Upholds Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accident Case
SC affirms negligence ruling against driver and owner in vehicular accident, applying quasi-delict rules and rejecting factual re-examination.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Fairness in Case Resolution
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a judge's duty to decide cases promptly against a prosecutor's duty not to abuse administrative complaints.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Tax Exemptions for Export Zones: Balancing Investment Incentives and Revenue Collection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax exemptions for export zone enterprises under PD 66, clarifying refund rights for customs duties on supplies.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.
Judicial Independence vs Executive Discretion in Criminal Prosecution: The Santos v. Orda Ruling
When may a court grant a prosecutor's motion to withdraw an information? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial deference to the DOJ.
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: When Punctuality Becomes a Legal Duty
The Supreme Court suspends a sheriff for habitual tardiness, stressing that court employees must strictly observe official time.
Balancing Discretion and Qualification: Upholding the Appointing Authority in Civil Service
The Supreme Court affirms that appointing authorities have discretion in promotions, provided appointees meet qualification standards.
Sheriffs Duty and Public Trust: Dismissal Risk for Misconduct in Execution of Court Orders
Habitual tardiness by a sheriff is grave misconduct betraying public trust; the Supreme Court explains why punctuality is integral to judicial duty.
Limits to Property Rights: Balancing Bank Security and Depositor Access
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may bar a dismissed employee-depositor from its premises without abusing property rights.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: What Velasquez v. Hernandez Teaches About Fair Hearing and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and substantial evidence rules in administrative cases, reversing a Court of Appeals ruling that had nullified a CSC dismissal order.
Hazard Pay Eligibility: Defining Public Health Workers Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as public health workers for hazard pay under RA 7305, using the GSIS case as example.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining the Boundaries of Excusable Lateness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that health and traffic issues do not excuse habitual tardiness in government service.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: When Is the Evidence Sufficient?
Supreme Court clarifies the standards for judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.
Security of Tenure When School Policies Lead to Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of a permanent teacher due to discriminatory school policies and security of tenure violations.
Procedural Deadlines Matter: Why Second Extension Motions Can Sink Your Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a second motion for extension to file an appeal can be fatal, and what litigants must know about Rule 42 deadlines.