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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When Working Conditions Worsen Ailments Entitlement TO Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on employee compensation when working conditions increase the risk of contracting an ailment.
Security of Tenure: Proving Tenancy Rights in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy cannot be presumed; all six elements must be proven for security of tenure.
Upholding Labor Rights: The Limits of Loss of Trust in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence cannot justify employee dismissal without clear, proven basis.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Election Protests and the Five-Day Rule: Why Timely Appeals Matter in Barangay Election Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a late motion for reconsideration in a barangay election protest can be fatal, even when the merits seem strong.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of COMELEC Decisions and the Importance of Timely Filing
The Supreme Court affirms that a motion for reconsideration filed beyond the five-day period before the COMELEC is dismissible, underscoring the strict observance of procedural deadlines in election c
Probable Cause in Estafa Through Falsification: DOJ Discretion Upheld in Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court affirms DOJ's withdrawal of estafa charges, upholding prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse and technical rules on appeals.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Must Prove
When is a resignation forced? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law.
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
When Limited Liability Doesnt Shield a Shipowner: The Aboitiz Shipping Ruling
Explaining when a shipowner's limited liability defense fails, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Aboitiz Shipping v. New India Assurance.
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Lessons from Pfizer v. Galan
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's procedural lapse binds the client in labor disputes and when courts may relax the rules.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Immediate Reporting Matter
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, stressing that credible victim testimony and prompt reporting outweigh the accused's unsupported "sweetheart defense."
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Accreditation Rules for Legal Publications
Supreme Court fines judge for undue delay and violating accreditation rules for legal publications under A.M. No. 01-1-07-SC.
Lawyer Disbarred for Accepting Private Cases and Fees While in Government Service
Supreme Court disbars PAO lawyer for taking private cases and attorney's fees, violating ethical rules and deceiving a client.
Dismissal for Falsifying Time Records: Court Interpreter's Act of Punching a Colleague's Time Card
Court interpreter dismissed for punching a colleague's time card. The Supreme Court rules such acts are falsification and dishonesty, grave offenses warranting dismissal.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.
UCPB Interest Rates, Mutuality of Contracts, and the Truth in Lending Act
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void interest rates, mutuality of contracts, and Truth in Lending Act violations in bank lending.
People v. Abulon: Penetration, Consent, and Rape by Sexual Assault in the Family Home
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies when tongue insertion counts as rape, when it is acts of lasciviousness, and how a father's moral sway replaces force.
Untangling Transferees Relief From Judgment AND Timeliness IN Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a transferee pendente lite may file a petition for relief from judgment and the strict deadlines that apply.
Good Faith Prevails: Protecting Public Officials From Graft Charges in Discretionary Decisions
Supreme Court clears DOH official of graft for following PADPAO rates over lowest bid, affirming good faith in discretionary public decisions.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Interest Payments IN Real Estate Agreements
Certiorari Cannot Substitute for a Lost Appeal: Lessons from Negros Merchants v. China Banking
When can a denied motion to dismiss be challenged by certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on interlocutory orders and forum shopping.