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.
Supreme Court Dismisses Baseless Complaint Against CA Justice and Lawyer
The Supreme Court dismissed unverified complaints against a Court of Appeals justice and a lawyer, emphasizing the need for substantial evidence in administrative cases.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
When Can a Mayor Issue a Cease and Desist Order: Balancing Public Welfare and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may issue cease and desist orders against businesses and the limits of injunctive relief.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal and what employers must prove.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Duty of Moral Ascendancy in Familial Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction, explaining why moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous abuse.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
Forged Signatures and Imprescriptibility in Co-Ownership Property Disputes
Forged deed transfers property by fraud; co-owner in possession can file imprescriptible quieting of title action.
Redundancy Programs and Employee Rights: Understanding Valid Dismissals and Separation Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on valid redundancy programs, separation pay, quitclaims, and GSIS gratuity pay in PNB v. Dalmacio.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Director Liability in Investment Fraud Cases
When can directors be personally liable for corporate fraud? The Supreme Court's ruling in Virata v. Ng Wee provides clear guidance.
Constructive Dismissal: Proving Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When do employer actions become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in Borja v. Miñoza.
When Courts Overstep: The Limits of Relief in Telegraphic Transfer Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts cannot award damages on issues never raised in pleadings, reinforcing due process in bank disputes.
Good Faith Prevails in Land Disputes: Builders' Rights Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a builder on another's land is in good faith and entitled to reimbursement under Articles 448 and 546.
Procedural Due Process in Administrative Cases: When a Show Cause Memorandum Suffices
The Supreme Court clarifies when a show cause memorandum satisfies procedural due process in administrative disciplinary proceedings against government employees.
Surrender of Owner's Duplicate Title: Buyers Cannot Withhold It Indefinitely
Buyers who hold an owner's duplicate title after a partial sale must register promptly; co-owners can compel surrender if registration is unreasonably delayed.
Supreme Court Affirms Negligence Ruling in Vehicle Collision Insurance Subrogation Case
Supreme Court affirms CA ruling holding driver negligent in highway collision, upholding insurer's subrogation claim for vehicle repair costs.
Prior Physical Possession Decides Forcible Entry Cases, Not Ownership Claims
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than ownership. The Supreme Court explains why in Sambalilo v. Llarenas.
Judicial Accountability vs Vexatious Litigation: Balancing Rights in Administrative Complaints
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may be held administratively liable and when complainants cross the line into contempt.
Estafa and Civil Liability: When Acquittal Doesnt Guarantee Freedom From Civil Claims
Explore the distinction between criminal acquittal and civil liability in estafa cases, and how banks can be held accountable.
Defective Information Reduces Direct Assault Conviction to Homicide
A missing element in the information reduced a direct assault conviction to homicide, underscoring the constitutional right to be informed of charges.
Stockholder Rights to Corporate Records Survive SEC Revocation, SC Rules
Supreme Court affirms that a stockholder's right to inspect corporate records continues even after SEC registration is revoked, upholding criminal liability of officers who refuse access.
Insufficient Evidence in Administrative Complaints: Dismissal of Charges Against Justice and Attorney
The Supreme Court dismissed administrative complaints against a CA Justice and a lawyer for lack of verification and evidence, reaffirming the burden of proof in disciplinary cases.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upholding Independence in Graft Case Investigations
SC rules on Ombudsman's discretion in graft investigations, affirming independence and expertise in dismissing cases without grave abuse.
When Can Courts Interfere With Ombudsman Probable Cause Findings
The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review over Ombudsman probable cause findings in anti-graft cases against public officers.
Retirement Benefits: Company Plans Prevail Over Labor Code Minimums
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans prevail over Labor Code when they provide superior benefits, citing PAL pilot case.