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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Extortion in Labor Disputes: Upholding Termination Based on Substantial Evidence
SC ruling on Mitsubishi Motors v. Simon clarifies that substantial evidence, not proof beyond reasonable doubt, suffices to justify dismissal for serious misconduct.
Local Taxing Powers vs National Policy: Navotas Cannot Tax Petroleum Sales
Supreme Court rules local governments cannot impose business taxes on petroleum products under (h) of the Local Government Code.
Upholding Consensual Agreements THE Courts Stance ON Compromise Agreements Despite Formal Defects
Sheriffs' Duty to Execute Writs Promptly and the Consequences of Neglect
A sheriff's delay in executing a writ is simple neglect of duty, even if the winning party fails to follow up.
Accommodation Party Liability When Signing a Promissory Note With Assumed Responsibility
When does signing a promissory note as an accommodation party create liability? The Supreme Court explains in Co v. Admiral United Savings Bank.
Upholding Diligence in Public Service: Consequences for Neglect of Duty by a Deputy Sheriff
A Supreme Court decision suspends a deputy sheriff for repeated failures to serve court processes, underscoring the strict diligence required of all court personnel.
Psychological Incapacity in Annulment: Mere Difficulty vs Grave Dysfunction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ordinary marital conflict and immaturity do not amount to psychological incapacity for annulment under Philippine law.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation's Separate Identity May Be Disregarded
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict test for piercing the corporate veil and why mere stock ownership is not enough.
Loan VS Profit Share THE Supreme Courts Stance ON Proving Debt AND Ownership IN Family Businesses
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: What Buyers at Auction Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession issues as a matter of right to a foreclosure sale purchaser, even if the mortgagor files an annulment case.
Marital Consent Is Key: Spousal Rights in Property Sales Under Article 124
Supreme Court voids a husband's sale of conjugal property without his wife's consent, explaining Article 124 of the Family Code.
Dacion en Pago and Foreclosure: When a Debt Remains a Debt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an unaccepted dacion en pago does not extinguish a debt, allowing mortgage foreclosure to proceed.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Health Issues Mitigate Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when illness can mitigate the penalty for habitual absenteeism, balancing employee welfare with the public trust doctrine.
Dismissal of Appeal, Counsel's Negligence, and the Duty to Uphold Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a counsel's negligence may excuse a late appeal and when courts must relax procedural rules.
Debt Default by a Court Employee: Upholding Ethical Conduct in the Judiciary
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that a court employee's unpaid debt is not just a private matter but conduct unbecoming a public servant.
Marijuana Transportation AND Knowledge Upholding Convictions Under THE Dangerous Drugs ACT
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Personal Jurisdiction Over Sole Proprietorships in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sole proprietorships lack juridical personality, requiring suits against the owner personally for proper jurisdiction.
Insurer's Inaction on Insurance Application: When Silence Means Approval
Supreme Court rules insurer's prolonged inaction on a group life insurance application amounts to approval, protecting insured parties from prejudice.
Illegal Dismissal of OFW: When Tardiness Is Not a Valid Ground for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of tardiness cannot justify dismissing an overseas Filipino worker, and how illegal dismissal damages are computed.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Overtime Pay and Contractual Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer illegal dismissal, salary for unexpired contract, and guaranteed overtime pay.
When Attached Property May Be Sold Before Judgment: China Banking Corp. v. Asian Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when attached properties may be sold before final judgment under Rule 57, Section 11 of the Rules of Court.
Memorandum Decisions and Due Process: When Adopting a Lower Court's Ruling Is Constitutional
The Supreme Court explains when a memorandum decision that adopts a lower tribunal's findings satisfies constitutional due process requirements.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Proper Remedy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why appeal and certiorari are mutually exclusive remedies, and why procedural rules matter in extraordinary actions.