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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Workplace Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Just Cause for Dismissal in the Philippines
When does a fistfight outside work justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of just cause under Philippine labor law.
Fixed-Term Contracts vs Probationary Employment: Protecting Teachers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term teaching contracts must yield to probationary employment rules under Philippine law.
Beyond Morality: LGBT Rights and Party-List Accreditation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that moral disapproval alone cannot bar LGBT groups from party-list accreditation, affirming equal protection and secular governance.
Equality in Representation: Population Requirements for Legislative Districts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Constitution does not require a 250,000 population minimum for provincial legislative districts.
Real Party in Interest Rule in Annulling Land Titles in the Philippines
Learn the real party in interest rule for annulling land titles in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Goco v. CA.
Retrenchment and Release: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies valid retrenchment requirements, the role of quitclaims, and when nominal damages apply in labor cases.
Reinstatement After Suspension: The Process for Lawyers to Resume Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the procedure for lifting a lawyer's suspension, requiring a sworn statement of compliance before resuming practice.
Treachery Defined Ensuring Justice FOR Victims OF Sudden Attacks IN THE Philippines
From Double Murder to Arson: How Intent Shapes Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when setting fire to a house is murder or arson, and why intent determines the crime.
When Can a Foreign Corporation Sue in the Philippines? The Cargill Case
The Cargill ruling clarifies when an unlicensed foreign corporation may sue in Philippine courts and what "doing business" means.
Philippine Taxation of International Air Carriers: Income Tax for Off-Line Operations
Off-line international air carriers selling tickets in the Philippines are subject to 32% income tax, not the 2.5% gross Philippine billings tax.
Challenging Election Results: Strict Rules for Pre-Proclamation Controversies in the Philippines
Learn the strict rules for pre-proclamation controversies in Philippine election law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Saño v. COMELEC.
Due Process in Termination: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Protection in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal for just cause still requires procedural due process, with nominal damages for violations.
Double Sale or Ownership: Resolving Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve property disputes, from double sales to registration issues, and what the Diaz v. Republic ruling means for landowners.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in the Philippines
A judge's 17-month delay in deciding a case leads to a fine, underscoring the constitutional duty to resolve cases promptly.
Passport Validity and Deportation: Re-Entry Requirements for Deported Aliens in the Philippines
A deported alien who re-enters without a valid passport and prior consent may face deportation. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Abuse of Right Doctrine: Accountability for Public Officials in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when local officials may adopt higher salary schedules and warns that unfounded suits against public officers can themselves be an abuse of right.
Forged Signatures and Land Disputes: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A forged deed of sale transfers no title under Philippine law. Learn how the Supreme Court protected family property rights in this landmark ruling.
When Courts Must Decide Independently: Withdrawal of Criminal Informations in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutors' motions to withdraw criminal informations, not merely adopt the Secretary of Justice's recommendation.
Execution Pending Appeal: Clarifying the Timeline for Election Contests in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue execution pending appeal in election contests, resolving a common procedural misunderstanding.
Barangay Conciliation: The Key to Unlawful Detainer Cases in the Philippines
Learn why barangay conciliation is a mandatory prerequisite before filing unlawful detainer cases, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Marital Rape: Spousal Consent Is Not a Defense to Rape in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that marriage is no defense to rape, convicting a stepfather of two counts of rape against his minor stepdaughter.
Temporary Restraining Orders Limits AND Judicial Discretion IN THE Philippines
Prescription and Marital Consent: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches can bar claims over conjugal property sold without the wife's consent.