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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Citizenship Rights Protecting Filipino Identity Despite Procedural Lapses
A Supreme Court ruling on how procedural lapses in electing Philippine citizenship should not erase a person's Filipino identity and rights.
Retirement Age Flexibility: Employer Rights and Employee Expectations in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PNB's compulsory retirement at 60, explaining employer rights and employee expectations under Article 287.
Preventive Suspension and Due Process: When Filing a Complaint Preempts Company Investigation
A look at Artificio v. NLRC on preventive suspension, due process, and the consequences of filing a dismissal complaint before a scheduled hearing.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Arrests
The Supreme Court clarifies a judge's duty in determining probable cause for warrants of arrest and limits on enjoining criminal prosecutions.
Beyond Labels: Substance Over Form in Appellate Procedure and Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on buy-bust operations shows how courts prioritize substance over form in procedural compliance and evidence.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minor lapses in Section 21 custody procedures do not automatically invalidate drug seizures if evidentiary integrity is preserved.
RES Judicata Preventing Repeated Lawsuits Over THE Same Land Dispute 2
Breach of Trust: When Banks Overstep Their Authority Over Depositor Accounts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized deductions from depositor accounts and the fiduciary duty of banks.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Securities Case Dismissals
The Supreme Court explains when a demurrer-based acquittal bars appeal and what grave abuse of discretion means.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Compromise After Judgment Navigating Redemption Rights IN Agrarian Disputes
Can a Bank Lower the Retirement Age? Lessons from Obusan v. PNB
The Supreme Court explains when a company retirement plan can set a lower compulsory retirement age than the Labor Code's 65-year default.
Indeterminate Sentence Law Clarifying Penalties for Drug Possession
Supreme Court clarifies how the Indeterminate Sentence Law applies to drug possession penalties under RA 9165.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Safeguarding the Accused From Retrial
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when grave abuse of discretion allows exception to the double jeopardy rule.
BUY Bust Operations AND Warrantless Arrests Safeguarding Rights IN Drug Cases
Upholding Compromise Agreements: When Can a Party Avoid Their Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies when compromise agreements bind parties, and when courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates.
NON Diminution OF Benefits Established Company Practice Prevails IN 13th Month PAY Computation
Upholding Guilt IN Illegal Recruitment THE Importance OF Admission AND Witness Testimony
Liability for Negligence: Contractual vs Extra-Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when negligence gives rise to contractual liability versus quasi-delict, using a damaged cargo case as example.
Contractor and Subcontractor Liability for Negligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on liability of contractors and subcontractors for negligence of employees in cargo delivery operations.
Dismissal for Forum Shopping: Preventing Redundant Lawsuits
Forum shopping rules apply only to judicial cases, not administrative complaints, as the Supreme Court clarifies in Ombudsman v. Rodriguez.
Reorganization and Demotion: Protecting Employee Rights in Government Restructuring
Learn when a government reorganization results in illegal demotion and how the Supreme Court protects employee rights in restructuring.
Finality of Dismissal: Understanding Res Judicata in Employment Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a dismissal becomes final and how res judicata bars relitigation of settled employment disputes.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence Is Key
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why the chain of custody of seized drugs matters and when minor lapses will not acquit an accused.