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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Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Counsel Negligence vs Extrinsic Fraud: Protecting Rights in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence amounts to extrinsic fraud in criminal cases, and why annulment of judgment is not available.
Misconduct vs. Serious Misconduct: Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between misconduct and serious misconduct as grounds for dismissal under Philippine labor law, using a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Limits of Annulment Based on Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 47 annulment of judgment does not apply to criminal cases, and counsel's negligence is not extrinsic fraud.
When Is Employee Misconduct Serious Enough for Dismissal? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee misconduct justifies dismissal, and when it is too minor a penalty. Learn the rules.
Finality Prevails WHY Untimely Appeals Foreclose Legal Challenges IN Retirement Benefit Disputes
Intent vs Action: Differentiating Attempted From Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stabbing is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why the subjective phase matters.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for P1.04M Shortage in Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses Clerk of Court for P1.04M cash shortage, ruling dishonesty and grave misconduct warrant removal even if employee is AWOL.
Certiorari Requirements Balancing Access to Justice and Procedural Rules
Court rules on clerk of court's dismissal for fund shortages, balancing procedural rules with access to justice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Perjury Charges and Probable Cause: The Role of Good Faith in Affidavit Statements
A look at Soriano v. Cabais on why good faith defeats perjury charges and the proper remedy for Ombudsman dismissals.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.