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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Possession vs Ownership: Choosing the Right Court Action for Property Disputes
Learn from a Supreme Court case why possession and ownership require different legal actions, and why choosing the wrong remedy can be fatal.
Missed Deadlines Lost Refunds: The Importance of Timely Filing in Tax Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that missed deadlines and counsel's negligence can bar tax refund claims, emphasizing the finality of judgments.
Truth in Advocacy: Lawyer Sanctioned for Misleading Statements in Court
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two months for falsely telling a judge that a settlement existed, reaffirming a lawyer's duty of candor.
Upholding Company Policies: Dismissal for Improper Stock Documentation
The Supreme Court upheld an employee's dismissal for violating a company policy on stock documentation, clarifying willful disobedience and due process in labor cases.
Upholding Public Trust: Disciplinary Actions for Habitual Tardiness Among Supreme Court Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that habitual tardiness violates the public trust, imposing suspensions and reprimands on erring employees.
Sheriff's Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal: Upholding Integrity in Court Service
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for extorting money from litigant, reaffirming strict standards of honesty for court personnel.
Challenging Illegal Searches and Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court handles illegal search claims and evidence admissibility in drug possession cases under Philippine law.
Abandonment of Work: Proving Intent to Sever Employment in Philippine Labor Law
Explaining when absence becomes abandonment under Philippine law, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Aliten v. U-Need Lumber.
Accountability in Public Office: Canvassers' Duty of Care in Elections
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on election canvassers' liability for certifying padded votes, and the ethical duties of lawyers in public service.
Supreme Court: Probable Cause for Libel Despite Fair Comment Defense
SC reinstates libel case over article on minor's underwear, ruling fair comment defense needs full trial.
Cashier's Checks and Bank Insolvency: When a Holder's Claim Is Not a Preference
A depositor's unpaid cashier's checks from a failed bank are disputed claims in liquidation, not automatic preferences. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Can a Government Official Be Held Liable for Omission? The Buenaobra Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer may be held administratively liable for inaction, and the due process rights of non-career service officials.
Fixed-Term Government Officials: Security of Tenure and Dismissal Rules
Fixed-term officials like the KWF chair enjoy security of tenure. Dismissal requires just cause and due process, as the Supreme Court clarified.
Ombudsman Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Limits of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of judicial review over prosecutorial findings in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the standard of grave abuse of discretion.
Protecting Child Rape Victims: The Supreme Court on Testimony and Credibility
A look at how Philippine courts treat the testimony of child rape victims and the rules on credibility in these sensitive cases.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Breach of Marital Vows: Attorney's Immoral Conduct and the Legal Profession
Supreme Court rules on lawyer-client affair, immorality as professional misconduct, and penalties for breaching marital vows.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
The Limits of Administrative Authority: Personal Misconduct vs Official Duties
When does a judge's personal relationship become an administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between personal conduct and official duty in this ruling on judicial delay.
Seasonal Work vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When are "seasonal" workers considered regular employees? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and its impact on security of tenure.
Res Judicata Bars Re-Litigating Security of Tenure in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how final judgments bar re-litigation of security of tenure claims in agrarian disputes.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's order for a contractor to return overpayments, clarifying quantum meruit and due process in government audit cases.
Execution of Judgment in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Ensuring Compliance with Dispositive Portions
The Supreme Court clarifies that execution of judgment must strictly follow the dispositive portion, ensuring compliance in intra-corporate disputes.
Breach of Parental Trust: Rape of a Minor and the Abolition of the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's qualified rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua under R.A. 9346.