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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Fortuitous Events and Employee Dismissal: When Absences Are Excusable
The Supreme Court ruled that absences caused by fortuitous events like flooding cannot justify dismissal, protecting workers' labor rights.
Breach of Promise or Employment Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Damage Claims?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a damage claim for breach of employment promise belongs to regular courts, not the NLRC.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Establishing Murder and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
How sudden, unexpected attacks establish treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder under Philippine law.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Loss of Filipino Citizenship Ends AFP Retiree Pension: Parreño v. COA
Supreme Court rules AFP retirees who lose Filipino citizenship lose their pension under PD 1638, as amended. No vested right before retirement.
Tenant vs Caretaker: When Fishpond Watching Does Not Create Tenancy Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between agricultural tenant and mere caretaker, and why intent and consent matter in tenancy.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court staff, attacking a judge, and ignoring IBP directives in an administrative case.
Perfecting Land Titles Through Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that tax declarations, a survey plan, and witness testimony can prove open, continuous possession of land since June 12, 1945.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Judges and Court Staff Fail in Their Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges, clerks of court, and stenographers for delayed decisions and neglected duties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Enforceability of Sales Invoices Despite Claims of Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms that signed sales invoices are binding evidence of delivery and payment obligations, even when a buyer later claims short deliveries.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Duty to Republish Notice in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: A Sheriff's Essential Obligation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescheduling an extrajudicial foreclosure sale requires republication of the notice, or the sale is invalid.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.
Eyewitness Testimony and Treachery in Murder Convictions: People v. Buban
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction based on eyewitness testimony, explaining treachery, alibi, and damages under Philippine law.
Election Returns Exclusion Based on Missing Pages and Evident Irregularities
When a missing page in an election return creates a prima facie irregularity, the Supreme Court explains why pre-proclamation remedies still have limits.
INP Retirees Entitled to PNP Retirement Benefits Under R.A. 6975
Supreme Court rules INP retirees are entitled to the same retirement benefits as PNP retirees under R.A. 6975, as amended.
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Electoral Mandate vs Practical Realities: When the Right to Vote Encounters Logistical Hurdles
The Supreme Court upholds COMELEC's refusal to hold a third special election, balancing constitutional duty against practical constraints.
Right to Information vs Electoral Confidentiality: Unveiling Party-List Nominees
Supreme Court rules Comelec must disclose party-list nominees' names, balancing right to information against Section 7 confidentiality limits.
Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Lessons from a Quasi-Delict Case
A look at how Philippine courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling on quasi-delict claims.
Rape AND Moral Ascendancy When Trust Becomes Betrayal
Court employees who misuse judiciary funds face dismissal for dishonesty and grave misconduct, even after restitution or retirement.
Establishing Filiation: How Informal Writings Can Prove Paternity in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how handwritten letters can establish paternity and filiation of illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Judicial Integrity: Misappropriation of Court Funds Leads to Dismissal and Restitution
Supreme Court dismisses two court clerks for misappropriating over P4 million in judiciary funds, ordering joint restitution and forfeiture of benefits.