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.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights and Separation Pay
When does failure to report for work become abandonment, not illegal dismissal? A Supreme Court ruling explains the difference.
Deceptive Promises Estafa Conviction Despite Victims Naivete In Travel Agent Scam
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction of fake travel agent, ruling that victims' gullibility does not absolve fraudsters of criminal liability.
When a Lawyer's Authority Dies With the Client: Lessons From A.C. No. 5182
A lawyer cannot rely on a special power of attorney after the client's death. The Supreme Court's ruling on agency, trust duties, and lawyer accountability explained.
Smuggling and the Presumption of Guilt: Possession and Tax Obligations in Philippine Law
When does possession of untaxed goods create a presumption of smuggling under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains in Rieta v. People.
Sheriffs Duty Balancing Expediency AND DUE Process IN Executing Money Judgments
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the delicate balance between a sheriff's duty to execute judgments promptly and the requirement of due process.
Habitual Tardiness in the Public Sector: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust
The Supreme Court reprimands a court clerk for habitual tardiness, reaffirming that personal hardships do not excuse chronic lateness in public service.
Family Code vs Rules of Procedure: Certifications and Suits Between Relatives
When sisters sue each other, the Family Code's compromise requirement and forum shopping rules collide. The Supreme Court clarifies.
Defense of Honor Justifying Homicide in Cases of Marital Fidelity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when defense of spouse can justify homicide, explaining unlawful aggression requirement.
Appeal vs Certiorari: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Recourse in the Philippines
Learn when to file an appeal versus a certiorari petition under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Andalis v. Court of Appeals.
Tenancy Rights vs Ownership Claims: DARAB Jurisdiction in Agrarian Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits in agrarian disputes, distinguishing tenancy rights from administrative reallocation matters.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect and Disrespect Toward the IBP
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for six months for neglecting a client's appeal and repeatedly ignoring the IBP's authority.
Service of Court Decisions on Government Entities: The Lead Counsel Rule Explained
When must court decisions be served on a government agency's lead counsel? The Supreme Court clarifies service rules and appeal periods.
Standing to Sue, Co-Ownership Authority, and the Demurrer to Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner may sue alone and why lack of authority is not a ground for demurrer to evidence.
Sheriffs' Duty to Timely Execute Writs and Accountability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs' duty to enforce writs promptly and their accountability for actions that delay execution.
Judicial Dishonesty: When a Judge Misleads the Court and Violates the Duty of Candor
The Supreme Court fined a judge for dishonesty and lack of candor after he misrepresented his case load to secure a transfer. Learn the rules.
Challenging Anti-Graft Law: Balancing Due Process and Public Accountability
The Supreme Court upholds Section 5 of RA 3019 against vagueness challenges, clarifying rules on repetitive motions, prescription, and immunity.
Preventive Suspension Applies Regardless of Current Office in Philippine Graft Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension under RA 3019 applies to any office a public officer currently holds, not just the position held when charged.
Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Falsification of Public Documents and Integrity in Public Service
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed falsification of public documents and the integrity required in public service.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Minority as Privileged Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minority is a privileged mitigating circumstance under Article 68, reducing the penalty for murder by one degree.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Partition Cases: When a Separate Nullity Suit Is Barred
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a separate action to nullify a deed of sale is barred by forum shopping when the same issue can be resolved in a pending partition case.
When a Barangay Captain Cannot Be Independent Counsel: Extrajudicial Confessions and the Constitution
A barangay captain who is a lawyer cannot act as independent counsel for a suspect. The Supreme Court explains why the confession was inadmissible.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.