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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Forestry Laws: Driver Liability and Knowledge in Illegal Logging Cases
Supreme Court ruling on truck driver liability for transporting undocumented lumber under the Revised Forestry Code, and how knowledge and conspiracy are proven.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Court Fund Shortages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: returning missing court funds does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty by court personnel.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Defense Fails, Backwages Still Due
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, abandonment defense, and the right to full backwages even when separation pay is awarded.
When Self Defense Fails: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and why uncorroborated claims fail in homicide cases.
Beyond Resignation: Constructive Dismissal and Harassment Claims in Philippine Labor Law
When does a resignation become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forced resignation and workplace harassment claims.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Administrative Cases Against Baguio City Judges
The Supreme Court's consolidated ruling on administrative cases against Baguio City RTC judges clarifies standards of judicial conduct, propriety, and accountability.
Boundary Disputes: Proving Land Ownership in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts resolve boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of approved survey plans and proper identification of property.
Protecting OFW Wages: Unauthorized Contract Alterations and Employer Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on OFW salary reductions, unauthorized contract changes, and solidary employer liability under RA 8042.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Senior Citizen Discount Tax Credit: Carry-Over Allowed Even Without Tax Due
Supreme Court rules 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not deduction, and can be carried over when no tax is due.
Mandamus and Medicare Claims: When Courts Can Compel Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mandamus can compel SSS to pay Medicare claims despite fraud allegations.
Illegal Dismissal Burden of Proof: Employer Must Substantiate Abandonment Claims
In Velasco v. NLRC, the Supreme Court clarified that employers bear the burden of proving abandonment in illegal dismissal cases, and that separation pay does not replace backwages.
Forum Shopping: Why Litigants Cannot Pursue the Same Claims in Different Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the prohibition on forum shopping and why litigants cannot pursue identical claims in different courts simultaneously.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Religious Freedom and Administrative Discipline: The Escritor Doctrine on Benevolent Neutrality
Explaining the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on religious freedom as a defense in administrative cases, and the compelling state interest test.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Restrictions on Allowances for Water District Directors: Balancing Compensation and Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies which allowances water district directors may receive under PD 198, prohibiting all compensation beyond per diems.
Security of Tenure and Board Membership: Garayblas v. Atienza on Illegal Ouster
When does a board member's ouster become a justiciable case? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between termination of appointment and illegal removal.
Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
Unjust Enrichment and Extra Work: When Contractors Get Paid for Necessary Additions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor compensation for necessary extra work, unjust enrichment, and liquidated damages in construction contracts.
Fraudulent Conveyance: When Property Sales Defeat Creditors' Rights
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a property sale is fraudulent against creditors and when creditors can rescind.
Strikes and Lockouts: Balancing Workers' Rights and Employer Interests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on illegal strikes, work slowdowns, and the distinct penalties for union officers versus ordinary members.
When a Judge's Contempt Power Becomes Grave Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court fines judge for citing a building operator in contempt over a switched-off circuit breaker, reaffirming limits on judicial contempt power.