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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Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Illegal Strike Penalties: Union Officers' Dismissal Upheld in PILTEA Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of union officers who staged illegal strike despite Labor Secretary's assumption order and procedural violations.
Succession Rights vs NHA Discretion: Resolving Land Disputes After Death
When a land awardee dies, can a government agency bypass heirs and award property to another? The Supreme Court says no.
Developer's Duty to Maintain Subdivision Streetlights Until Turnover
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies developer obligations for subdivision streetlight maintenance and electricity costs until turnover to local government.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Survival of Actions: Protecting Property Rights After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights and heir substitution.
Contempt of Court: Limits on Summary Punishment and Judicial Notice in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may punish contempt summarily and when they may take judicial notice of other cases.
Land Registration: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 for Imperfect Titles
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the June 12, 1945 possession requirement for land registration under Section 14 of PD 1529.
Upholding Ejectment: Why Ownership Disputes Don't Halt Possession Orders
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that pending ownership cases do not stop execution of ejectment judgments, protecting the summary nature of unlawful detainer.
Redefining Rape: Sexual Assault and Its Implications Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined rape to include sexual assault by inserting fingers or objects into a victim's genital or anal orifice.
Accountability for Public Officers: Protecting Constitutional Rights Beyond Official Duty
Learn how the Supreme Court defines accountability for public officers and why protecting constitutional rights extends beyond official duty.
Integrity in Public Service: Dismissal of False Misconduct Allegations Against Court Stenographer
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against court stenographer, ruling that bare allegations and conjectures cannot overcome the presumption of innocence in administrative cases.
Seafarer Disability Benefits for Illness Contracted During the Contract Term
A seafarer who falls ill during his contract may claim total disability benefits even if the illness is not work-related, the Supreme Court ruled in 2007.
Upholding Search Warrants in Intellectual Property Cases: The Yao v. People Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms search warrants issued in trademark infringement cases, clarifying probable cause and warrant requirements under Philippine law.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: The Weight of a Minor's Testimony and the Failure of Alibi Defense
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape and sexual assault, underscoring the credibility of a minor victim's testimony over a weak alibi defense.
Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days: Gross Inefficiency and Repeated Delay Sanctions
The Supreme Court suspends a judge for three months after repeated delays in resolving an unlawful detainer case, stressing the 90-day rule.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Due Process in Labor-Only Contracting Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer-employee relationships, probationary employment, and the twin requirements of notice and hearing in illegal dismissal cases.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Ombudsman Decisions Can Be Reviewed by Courts
Supreme Court clarifies when final Ombudsman rulings may still be challenged through certiorari, using a neglect-of-duty case as guide.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: When Courts Can Intervene in Reorganization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence, jurisdictional amounts in damage suits, and contributory negligence.