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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Judicial Ethics for Court Employees: The Limits of Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that good intentions do not excuse using court authority and resources for purely private matters.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippine Judiciary
When a clerk of court mishandles fiduciary funds, the Supreme Court imposes strict accountability, even after retirement.
Shareholder Rights and Corporate Obligations: How Trust Agreements Affect Corporate Governance
Supreme Court ruling on trust agreements, stock transfer books, and shareholder rights under Philippine corporate law.
Procedural Rules vs Substantive Rights: Dismissal of Appeals for Technical Defects
Learn how the Supreme Court treats appeals dismissed for technical defects, and why procedural rules matter as much as substantive rights.
Injunctions in Ejectment: Balancing Immediate Execution With Equitable Considerations
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may issue preliminary injunctions despite the immediately executory nature of ejectment judgments.
Ejectment Actions and Contracts to Sell: Clarifying Possession Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a buyer under a contract to sell may be ejected, and the duties of banks purchasing properties.
When Banks Breach Fiduciary Duty: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals by employees, moral damages, and the fiduciary duty of banks to depositors.
Banks' Duty of Care: Liability for Unauthorized Withdrawals and Moral Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for unauthorized withdrawals, gross negligence, and awards of moral and exemplary damages.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Tax Exemption as Cooperatives Explained
Supreme Court ruling on Sun Life clarifies tax exemption for mutual life insurance companies as cooperatives under Philippine tax law.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Court Holds Family Obligations Not a Valid Excuse
Supreme Court reprimands court stenographer for habitual tardiness, ruling family obligations do not excuse repeated lateness in public service.
Retrenchment Rules in the Philippines: Proving Losses and Fair Selection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: what employers must prove to validly dismiss employees due to business losses.
Breach of Overseas Employment Contract: Full Reimbursement and Salaries Due
Philippine Supreme Court affirms that illegally dismissed overseas workers are entitled to full placement fee refund and salaries under RA 8042.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Exempt from Premium Tax and DST
Supreme Court rules mutual life insurance companies are cooperatives exempt from premium tax and documentary stamp tax without CDA registration.
Retrenchment Requirements: Proving Financial Losses and Fair Criteria in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retrenchment: employers must prove substantial losses and use fair criteria like seniority when dismissing employees.
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
Acting Secretaries and the Commission on Appointments: The Pimentel Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when the President may appoint acting department secretaries without Commission on Appointments consent.
Preventive Suspension of Court Personnel: The Case of Maripi Apolonio
Explaining preventive suspension for court personnel facing criminal charges, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in De Guzman v. Apolonio.
Limits of Ombudsman Discretion When Clarificatory Hearings Are Not Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the Ombudsman may skip clarificatory hearings in preliminary investigations without abusing discretion.
Upholding Civil Service Integrity: The CSC's Power to Investigate Eligibility Falsification
The Supreme Court affirms the Civil Service Commission's power to directly investigate and prosecute cases of falsified eligibility, protecting the integrity of the civil service.
Presidential Power Limits on Foreign Debt Contraction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to contract foreign loans, including debt buybacks and bond conversions, under Section 20, Article VII of the Constitution.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Employer Prerogative vs Employee Rights: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer crosses the line from valid management prerogative to illegal demotion, using the PLDT v. Paguio case.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Manila's Duty to Pay for Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court rules that local governments must promptly pay just compensation for expropriated property, and cannot delay through procedural maneuvers.
When Can a Proclamation Be Voided: Integrity of Election Returns and Canvass Rules
The Supreme Court explains when a proclamation may be voided for defective election returns and canvass irregularities under RA 7166.