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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Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Court Personnel Held Liable for Neglect of Duty and Undue Delay
The Supreme Court ruled that judges and court personnel face administrative liability for undue delay and neglect of duty, even after retirement.
Filing a Complaint Interrupts Prescription for B.P. 22: Panaguiton v. DOJ
Filing a complaint for preliminary investigation interrupts prescription of B.P. 22 offenses, the Supreme Court ruled in Panaguiton v. DOJ.
Perfected Contract of Sale vs. Writ of Preliminary Attachment: Balancing Obligations with Due Process
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a contract of sale is perfected and when a writ of preliminary attachment may be improperly issued.
Accountability for Illegal Logging: Possession, Liability, and Penalties Under PD 705
A look at how the Supreme Court upheld a conviction for illegal possession of lumber, clarifying liability and penalties under PD 705.
Control Is Key: Hospital Supervision Determines Employer-Employee Relationship With Resident Doctors
Supreme Court rules hospital control over resident doctors creates employer-employee relationship, entitling them to labor law protections.
Clarifying "Forthwith" in Impeachment: The Senate's Duty to Prepare Before Trial
The Supreme Court explains what "forthwith" means in impeachment cases and why the Senate's preparation time was constitutionally valid.
Upholding Public Trust: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
A judge's extramarital affair led to dismissal from service and suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards for the bench.
Diminished Liability Distinguishing Homicide From Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when abuse of superior strength fails as a qualifying circumstance, reducing murder to homicide in the Philippines.
Independent Contractors vs Regular Employees: Defining the Boundaries of Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is not the employer of a contractor's workers, and why the regular employment test does not apply in trilateral arrangements.
Constructive Possession of Illegal Drugs: Proximity Alone Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence near illegal drugs does not prove constructive possession; dominion and control are required.
Reasonable Doubt in Drug Possession Cases: Mere Presence at a Crime Scene Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere presence in a friend's hut where drugs were found does not prove possession beyond reasonable doubt.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Dacion en Pago Without Consent Cannot Nullify Debt Settlement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dacion en pago requires mutual consent; a mere proposal or appraisal does not perfect the agreement.
Balancing Privacy and Due Process: Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Administrative Cases
When do illegally obtained evidence become inadmissible in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies constitutional limits.
Cityhood Denied: How Income Requirements Protect Local Governments
The Supreme Court struck down 16 cityhood laws for violating the Constitution's requirement of uniform criteria in the Local Government Code.
Upholding Accountability: Dismissal for Sheriffs' Neglect of Duty and Dishonesty in Handling Court Processes
The Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality and suspends him from law practice, clarifying the standards for judicial ethics and lawyer discipline.
Medical Negligence: The Duty to Consider Existing Conditions During Treatment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, company-designated physician assessments, and the duty to consider pre-existing conditions.
Excise Tax Refund: Who Is the Proper Claimant Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that only the statutory taxpayer—the manufacturer—may claim excise tax refunds, even if the burden was shifted to the buyer.
Seafarer Compensation Rights: Work-Related Injury Claims and Pre-Existing Conditions in Philippine Maritime La
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer compensation for work-related injuries despite pre-existing conditions, and the legal standards for disability claims.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies: Protecting Overseas Workers' Right to Fair Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recruitment agencies' solidary liability for overseas workers' unpaid wages and the prescriptive period for money claims.
Resignation vs Termination: When a Resignation Letter Is Not Enough in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is not voluntary and how employers must prove it to defeat illegal dismissal claims.
Judges Must Stay Abreast of Legal Developments: Lessons from Magpali v. Pardo
A judge's failure to know updated pre-trial rules constitutes gross ignorance of the law, warranting disciplinary action.
Theft by Deceit Conviction Stands Despite Missing Testimony and Affidavit of Desistance
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction even with missing transcript and complainant's affidavit of desistance, clarifying key criminal procedure rules.
Registered Vehicle Owners Face Liability Even After Selling the Car
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why registered vehicle owners remain liable for accidents even after selling their car.