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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Donation Inter Vivos in the Philippines: Proving Forgery and Document Authenticity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how to prove forgery of a deed of donation, including the weight of expert testimony and circumstantial evidence.
Self-Defense or Murder? Understanding Justifiable Homicide in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense is valid and why a killing without treachery is homicide, not murder.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Falsifying Time Records in Philippine Government: Legal Consequences and Supervisor Responsibility
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on falsified time records, penalties under Philippine law, and the accountability of government supervisors.
Control Test and Regular Employment: When a Retainer Is Not an Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court explains when a company doctor under a retainer agreement is not a regular employee under the control test.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Motions FOR Extension AND Notice Requirements IN Philippine Appeals
When a defective motion for extension can still save an appeal, and when execution pending appeal is premature in ejectment cases.
Fresh Period Rule for Appeals: The First Aqua Sugar Traders Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration grants litigants a fresh 15-day period to appeal, applying the Neypes doctrine retroactively.
Protecting Government Assets Understanding Exemptions From Execution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government funds and properties are exempt from execution, and when judges and sheriffs can be held liable.
Changing Your Child's Last Name in the Philippines: Legal Process and Parental Rights
Learn the legal process for changing a child's surname in the Philippines, including Rule 103 requirements and parental rights under the Family Code.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Annulment of Judgment for Lack of Due Process: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn when Philippine courts may annul a final judgment for lack of due process, using the Supreme Court's ruling in Intestate Estate of Nimfa Sian v. PNB.
Foreclosure vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Timing Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior foreclosure affects corporate rehabilitation petitions and the proper remedy for dismissal orders.
Why Courts Must Scrutinize Motions to Withdraw Criminal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates an accused's constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Understanding Your Right TO Speedy Trial IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When an Employer's Dismissal Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing managerial employees based on loss of trust and confidence in Norsk Hydro v. Rosales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Philippine Employers Can Validly Dismiss Employees
In Norsk Hydro v. Rosales, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence — but only with substantial proof and proper notice and hearing.
Forum Shopping in Philippine Courts: Why Filing Multiple Cases Can Backfire
Learn how the Supreme Court defines forum shopping, why filing multiple cases over the same dispute can get a case dismissed, and what the certification against forum shopping requires.
Failure to Pay Appeal Docket Fees: When Courts May Reinstate an Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay appeal docket fees does not automatically dismiss an appeal; courts have discretion to reinstate.
Declaratory Relief in the Philippines: When Can You Ask Courts to Clarify Your Rights
Learn when Philippine courts allow declaratory relief actions, including the requirements of justiciable controversy and ripeness, based on a 2007 Supreme Court ruling.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Rights Apply Even in Just Cause Terminations
The Supreme Court clarifies that even employees dismissed for just cause, like strike-related violence, are entitled to procedural due process.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.
Credible Witnesses Are Key in Philippine Naturalization Cases: Edison So v. Republic
The Supreme Court explains why character witnesses must know an applicant well, not merely parrot the law, in judicial naturalization cases.