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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When Courts Deny Postponements: Due Process in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling on when denying a motion for postponement violates due process, and what parties must show to get a resetting.
Executive Order 420 and the Right to Privacy: When ID Systems Need Legislation
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420, ruling that unifying existing government ID systems is a valid executive act, not legislation.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Streamlining Government IDs in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upheld EO 420 on unified government IDs, clarifying the limits of presidential power of control.
Possession vs. Paper Title: When Long-Term Possession Trumps a Certificate of Title
The Supreme Court explains when decades of open, exclusive possession can defeat a registered title in Philippine property disputes.
Dying Declarations and Res Gestae: How Philippine Courts Determine Truth in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains dying declarations and res gestae in homicide cases, and how courts weigh witness credibility.
Constructive Dismissal Claims Require Proof of Employer Knowledge and Inaction
Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary resignation stands unless the employee proves the employer knew of intolerable conditions and did nothing.
Lost Votes Lost Mandates: Why Proper Comelec Rehearing Procedures Matter in Philippine Elections
A tied Comelec vote on a mayoral proclamation was resolved by "re-consultation" instead of a rehearing. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Lost Your Case ON A Technicality Understanding Verification AND Certification IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to verify a petition or certify against forum shopping can end a case before it begins.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular vs project employee status, security of tenure, and the two-notice rule in illegal dismissal cases.
When a Court Employee's Misconduct Outside the Courtroom Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a court cashier for tampering with official receipts and misappropriating judiciary funds, reaffirming that integrity is required of all court personnel.
Beyond the Case Title: Why Complaint Allegations Dictate Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a case is for ejectment or collection of sum of money.
Optional Retirement vs Financial Assistance: Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when optional retirement is an employer's prerogative and when financial assistance may still be granted as an equitable concession.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Judicial Conduct and Mental Fitness: When Can a Philippine Judge Be Removed From Office
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial misconduct and mental incapacity in removing a judge from office.
Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
AWOL in the Philippines: When Absence Means Job Loss — A Supreme Court Case Analysis
A look at how Philippine law treats AWOL (absence without official leave) in employment, based on a Supreme Court decision.
Trademark Ownership in the Philippines: Why Prior Use Beats Registration Alone
The Supreme Court explains why actual use in commerce, not mere registration, determines trademark ownership under Philippine law.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Lawyer Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions in the Philippines
When do a lawyer's personal dealings become grounds for disbarment? The Supreme Court clarifies the high bar for professional misconduct cases.
Judicial Delay and Misconduct: When Can You File an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines
Learn when you can file an administrative case against a Philippine judge for misconduct or delay, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Floro.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Annulment: Why Expert Evidence Is Crucial
Philippine Supreme Court explains why expert evidence is crucial in psychological incapacity annulment cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.