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.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonored Loan and Disregard of Legal Processes
A lawyer was suspended one year and fined for failing to pay a loan, issuing a bouncing check, and ignoring IBP proceedings.
Beyond Labels: How Courts Determine the True Nature of a Complaint
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts look beyond a document's label to determine the true nature of a transaction.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Denials: Court of Appeals Holds Exclusive Certiorari Jurisdiction
Supreme Court clarifies that PDIC deposit insurance claim denials must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Dismissing Senior Managers: Due Process Still Matters
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing senior managers, and what happens when due process is skipped.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Valmonte v. Quesada.
Practicing Law While Suspended: The Quesada Case and Its Consequences
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court's ruling in Valmonte v. Quesada, Jr. explains the penalties.
Relationship as Qualifying Circumstance in Rape: Why Precise Allegations Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that "stepfather" and "common-law spouse" are distinct terms in rape cases, and qualifying circumstances must be alleged and proven.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, balancing management prerogative against tenurial security.
Acquittal in Drug Case Highlights Strict Chain of Custody and Witness Rules
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect, stressing strict compliance with chain of custody and required witnesses under RA 9165.
Mandatory Retirement vs. Reappointment Rights in Philippine State Universities
Supreme Court clarifies that mandatory retirement age does not automatically end a valid reappointment term of a state university president.
Malicious Mischief in Property Disputes: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when destroying property in a dispute becomes malicious mischief, and why claims of ownership do not justify taking the law into one's own hands.
Compromised Chain of Custody A Blow to Drug Convictions
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when inventory lacked DOJ representative, stressing strict chain of custody compliance under RA 9165.
Government Procurement and Financial Accountability: Lessons from the Talisay City COA Disallowance Case
The Supreme Court upheld COA disallowances against Talisay City officials for procurement violations, clarifying rules on competitive bidding, budget realignment, and personal liability.
Usurpation of Authority: Delineating Official Functions and Good Faith in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the meaning of "forthwith" in impeachment proceedings, emphasizing the Senate's discretion in preparing for trial and the limits of judicial intervention.
Acquittal in Drug Case: When Police Lapses in Chain of Custody Lead to Freedom
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession accused after police failed to secure required witnesses during inventory, explaining the chain of custody rule.
Acquittal for Broken Drug Chain of Custody: Grefaldo v. People Explained
A Supreme Court ruling shows why police must strictly follow drug evidence rules, or face acquittal.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: When a Sudden Attack Is Not Murder
The Supreme Court clarifies that treachery cannot be presumed from suddenness alone, reducing a murder conviction to homicide in People v. Bulutano.
Calling Someone a Thief in Public Can Be Slander: Key Lessons from a Condo Dispute
A heated condo dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn when public accusations of theft become criminal oral defamation in the Philippines.
Condominium Board Disputes and Slander: When Words Cross the Line
A condominium board dispute led to a slander conviction. Learn the legal boundaries of speech and the consequences of public accusations.
Shareholder Rights Navigating Derivative Suits IN Philippine Corporate LAW
Understand when Philippine courts allow derivative suits, the requirements under the Interim Rules, and why majority shareholders cannot bypass the board of directors.
Conspiracy and Probable Cause: When Presence Alone Does Not Imply Guilt in Fraud Cases
Mere presence at a meeting does not prove conspiracy in estafa cases. The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed.