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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Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty, Not a Venue for Fraud Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure is a ministerial duty, not subject to fraud claims.
Sheriff Fined for Simple Neglect of Duty in Delaying Certificate of Sale
Supreme Court rules sheriff's refusal to issue certificate of sale without court order constitutes simple neglect of duty, imposing P5,000 fine.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Work Relatedness and Contractual Coverage for Compensation Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when seafarers' death benefits apply—death must occur during the contract term and illness must be work-related.
Treachery Defined: When a Sudden Attack Qualifies as Murder Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack constitutes treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Res Judicata and Illegal Dismissal: Requisites for Dismissal of Labor Disputes in the Philippines
Learn the four requisites of res judicata in illegal dismissal cases, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Breach of Trust: When Misappropriation Constitutes Estafa
When does an employee's breach of trust amount to estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of loss of confidence as a ground for dismissal.
Finality of Just Compensation: When Second Chances in Land Reform Are Overruled
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration on land reform compensation, underscoring the finality of judgments and the limits of procedural remedies.
Ombudsman's Power, Due Process, and Neglect of Duty in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the Ombudsman's disciplinary powers and the due process rights of public officials in neglect of duty cases.
Gross Neglect of Duty Dismissal Upheld Despite Delay in Ombudsman Proceedings
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's power to directly discipline erring officials, clarifying due process standards in administrative cases.
Immorality Charges Require Substantial Evidence Mere Allegations Insufficient
The Supreme Court reminds that administrative charges of immorality against court employees need substantial evidence, not mere allegations or hearsay.
Estate Tax Deductions: Claims Valued at Death, Not Post-Death Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court rules estate tax deductions for claims against the estate are valued at date of death, not reduced by later compromise settlements.
Loss of Confidence as a Just Cause for Dismissal: When Can Employers Terminate Trusted Employees?
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly dismiss managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence under Philippine labor law.
When Silence Is Not Golden: Positive Identification in Robbery With Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms that a victim's clear, positive identification outweighs an accused's denial and alibi in robbery with homicide.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When a Bank May Validly Dismiss a Managerial Employee
The Supreme Court explains when an employer may dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence, and why financial assistance is not always due.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Due Process and Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative bodies like the CSC need only substantial evidence, not technical rules, to prove dishonesty.
Behest Loans and the Ombudsman: Probable Cause, Prescription, and the Romualdez Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that the Ombudsman gravely abused its discretion in dismissing behest loan charges for lack of probable cause and prescription.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest AND Penalties IN Land Purchase Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules buyers must pay stipulated interest and penalty charges in land purchase agreements, even if onerous.
Supreme Court Affirms Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Credible Testimony Despite Minor Inconsistencies
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, ruling that a victim's credible testimony suffices even with minor inconsistencies and delayed reporting.
Unmasking Behest Loans: Government's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth Supersedes Prescriptive Timelines
The Supreme Court clarifies that behest loan offenses prescribe only upon discovery, reinforcing the government's power to recover Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
When Is Negligence "Gross and Habitual"? Lessons from Belle Corporation v. Macasusi
The Supreme Court clarifies the standard for dismissing employees for gross negligence and the rules on project versus regular employment in the Philippines.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Suretyship and Subcontracting: When Does a Surety Guarantee Performance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a surety's liability arises in subcontracting and why reimbursement claims belong in regular courts.
Burden of Proof in Civil Cases: Preponderance of Evidence Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in civil cases and why self-serving testimony cannot replace preponderance of evidence.