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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Appeal Memorandum Deadlines: Why Missing Them Can Cost Your Case
Missing the 15-day appeal memorandum deadline can end your appeal. Learn the strict rules and what the Supreme Court says about excuses.
Redemption Rights: Why Written Notice From the Vendor Matters in Co-Ownership Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the 30-day legal redemption period only starts upon written notice from the vendor, not from court decisions.
Resignation With Assurance: Enforceability of Separation Pay Agreements in Voluntary Resignations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a voluntary resignation with a promised separation pay creates an enforceable obligation on the employer.
Derivative Suits vs Corporate Liquidation: Protecting Corporate Assets and Stockholder Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between derivative suits and corporate liquidation proceedings in stockholder disputes.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: The Value of Credible Witness Testimony
A child witness's positive identification of an accused outweighs the defense of alibi, the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Delpino.
Protecting Minors: Stepfather's Breach of Trust and the Crime of Statutory Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a stepfather for statutory rape of his 11-year-old stepdaughter, explaining the elements of the crime and the penalties involved.
Judicial Ethics: Judge Fined P40,000 for Public Humiliation of Court Clerk
Supreme Court holds judge liable for gross misconduct after threatening, vilifying, and publicly humiliating a court clerk through newspaper publications.
Estafa Liability of Corporate Officers for Actions of Agents in Securities Trading
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for estafa in securities trading and investment transactions.
BUY Bust Operations AND THE Chain OF Custody Ensuring Drug Evidence Integrity IN THE Philippines
Breach of Trust vs Estafa: Delineating Fiduciary Duty in Investment Transactions
When does an investment house's failure to return funds become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between fiduciary duty and mere debtor-creditor relations.
Finality of Tax Assessments: Why Collection Efforts Don't Reopen Tax Disputes
When do collection letters and lawsuits reopen settled tax assessments? The Supreme Court clarifies in Pilipinas Shell v. Commissioner of Customs.
Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Clear Proof and Due Process Are Essential
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring clear evidence and proper procedure.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Boundary Disputes and Local Autonomy: Clarifying Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which body settles boundary disputes between LGUs in Metro Manila, and when courts may intervene.
Upholding Doles Authority When Labor Inspections Trump Individual Claim Limits
Mootness in Election Contests: When Expiration of Term Ends the Legal Fight
Expiration of an elective office's term can render an election contest moot. Learn the rule from Baldo v. COMELEC.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Is the Decisive Factor
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases hinge on prior physical possession, not tax declarations or ownership claims.
Breach of Trust Justifies Dismissal Safeguarding Employer Confidence in Managerial Roles
Learn when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Timeliness Gives WAY TO Equitable Outcomes
When a one-day delay in filing a motion could have cost a complainant his civil claim, the Supreme Court showed when equity may prevail over strict procedural rules.
The State's Obligation to Pay Interest on Delayed Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Philippine law requires the State to pay just compensation with legal interest when payment is delayed in expropriation cases. Learn the rules.
Indispensable Parties in Philippine Litigation: Ensuring Complete Justice
Learn how the indispensable party rule ensures complete justice in Philippine litigation, and why courts require all necessary parties to be joined.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Consultancy Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the four-fold test and control test.
Falsification of Time Records: Integrity and Accountability in Public Service
Court employee dismissed for falsifying daily time records. Learn the rules on dishonesty and accountability in public office.
Tenant Rights Consent AND Sharing Requirements IN Agricultural Land Disputes
When is a land dispute agrarian or civil? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction and the rules on tenancy.