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.
Security Guard Negligence and Damnum Absque Injuria: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on security agency liability, negligence, and the principle of damnum absque injuria, explained for property owners and agencies.
Loan Agreements and Interest Rates: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may impose penalty charges and compound interest under loan restructuring agreements.
Contractual Obligations and Tortious Interference in Philippine Media Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on talent contracts, breach, and tortious interference in the media industry.
Understanding Estafa in Property Transactions: The Importance of Clear Representations
The Supreme Court clarifies when selling an encumbered property amounts to estafa under the Revised Penal Code.
Racist Behavior as Serious Misconduct: What Ocampo v. International Ship Crew Management Means for Philippine
The Supreme Court ruled that a ship captain's racist treatment of crew members justifies dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Compromise Agreements and Rescission: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
When can a compromise agreement be rescinded? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on non-performance and rescission under Article 2041.
The President’s Power to Withdraw from Treaties: What the Supreme Court Ruled
The Supreme Court clarified the limits of the President’s power to withdraw from international treaties. Learn the rules from the Rome Statute case.
Management Prerogative vs. Constructive Dismissal: Balancing Employer Rights and Employee Security
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, negligence, and abandonment justify dismissal, protecting employees from arbitrary termination.
Illegal Dismissal: When Loss of Trust and Confidence Fails as Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment are valid grounds for dismissing an employee.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Negligence Doesnt Justify Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when simple negligence or carelessness cannot justify termination, explaining the standards for loss of trust, gross neglect, and abandonment.
Contract Rescission in the Philippines: When Forfeiture Clauses and Mutual Restitution Apply
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when forfeiture clauses survive contract rescission and when mutual restitution applies under Article 1191.
Understanding Judicial Clemency: A Guide to Reinstatement for Disbarred Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's 2021 ruling in Ricafort sets new guidelines for judicial clemency petitions by disbarred lawyers seeking reinstatement.
Administrative Liability and Business Permits: Lessons from the Kentex Fire Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local officials may be held liable for issuing business permits without fire safety certificates.
Resignation vs. Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when resignation bars an illegal dismissal claim and when procedural due process still matters.
Bank Liability and Depositor Rights: Fiduciary Duties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe depositors extraordinary diligence, and a bank cannot escape liability for its employees' unauthorized acts.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Falsifying the PDS and CSC Jurisdiction Over Exam Anomalies
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal for dishonesty when a police applicant cheats on exams and lies in the Personal Data Sheet.
Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from Pantaleon v. Ombudsman-Mindanao
A revenue clerk's unauthorized lending of public funds led to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.
Teacher Misconduct and Child Abuse: When Dismissal Is Justified in the Philippines
When does teacher misconduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of compassionate justice in child abuse cases.
Illegal Dismissal for Dishonesty in the Philippines: When Termination Is Not Justified
When can an employee be fired for dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains the limits of termination for loss of trust and confidence.
Procurement Integrity Lessons from a Landmark Ruling on Misconduct and Due Diligence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee's concealment during an investigation justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Power Supply Contracts: Liability for Fluctuations and Damages
A look at Meralco v. AAA Cryogenics on liability for power fluctuations, proof of damages, and temperate damages in supply contracts.