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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Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Repeated Absences Justify Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a sheriff for habitual absenteeism, reaffirming that public office demands strict adherence to duty and attendance.
Civil Liability for Criminal Acts: Proving Damages in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts award damages for crimes, what evidence suffices, and key lessons from Sevilla v. Villareal.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Intent and Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, and why self-defense failed in People v. Manulit.
Unfair Labor Practices: The Duty to Bargain Collectively in the Philippines
When does an employer's refusal to negotiate become an unfair labor practice? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on the duty to bargain collectively.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.
Unauthorized Absences and the Limits of Disciplinary Action: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PLDT v. Teves clarifies when unauthorized absences justify dismissal and when they do not.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Foreshore Land vs Private Property: Clarifying Ownership Rights in Coastal Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on possession, prescription, and jurisdiction in disputes over untitled coastal and ancestral lands.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed, and what due process truly requires in employee dismissal.
Court Stenographer Dismissed for Habitual Absences, Tardiness, and Dishonesty
Supreme Court dismisses court stenographer for habitual tardiness, absenteeism, and submitting a falsified medical certificate to cover unauthorized absences.
Judicial Efficiency vs. Delay: Striking the Balance in Case Disposition
The Supreme Court balances speedy disposition against thorough adjudication in consolidated cases involving land disputes, clarifying the limits of judicial efficiency.
Attorney's Disregard for Court Orders Results in Disbarment and Denied Reinstatement
A lawyer's evasion of court processes and nine-year delay in complying with a restitution order led to disbarment and denial of reinstatement.
Rape With Homicide: Defining Carnal Knowledge and the Threshold of Sexual Assault
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes carnal knowledge in rape with homicide, ruling that mere touching of the labia by an erect penis suffices for conviction.
The Critical Omission: Why "Zero-Rated" Must Appear on VAT Invoices for Tax Credit Refund Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to print on its sales invoices. The CTA En Banc affirmed this denial, and J.R.A. elevated the matter to the Supreme Court.
Perjury Complaints and the DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Preliminary Investigations
Explains when the DOJ may dismiss a perjury complaint appeal and why constitutional due process rules for courts do not bind prosecutors.
Judicial Efficiency: The Duty of Judges to Decide Cases Promptly and the Consequences of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's duty to decide cases within reglementary periods, and the administrative penalties for undue delay.
Judicial Discretion vs Undue Favoritism: When Judges Face Administrative Liability
Explaining when judicial rulings constitute administrative offenses, based on the Supreme Court's dismissal of the complaint against CA Justices Roxas and Enriquez.
Illegal Strike Consequences: Reinstatement Rights and Separation Pay in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies illegal strike consequences, reinstatement rights, and separation pay for union members in labor disputes.
Illegal Strike Consequences and Employee Rights: Lessons from Alcantara v. Court of Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when strikes become illegal, who faces termination, and what reinstatement rights employees retain.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Due Process and Corporate Identity in Kukan v. Reyes
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may pierce the corporate veil, emphasizing due process and finality of judgment.
Judicial Seniority in the Court of Appeals: Date of Appointment Controls
The Supreme Court settles how CA justices' seniority is determined—by appointment date, not transmittal or barcode.
Finality Prevails: The Consequences of Untimely Appeals in Philippine Civil Procedure
Learn how the Supreme Court treats late appeals in civil cases, why finality matters, and the strict rules on appeal periods.
Civil Service Eligibility and the Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
Buying a civil service eligibility is dishonesty punishable by dismissal. Learn the rules and consequences from a Supreme Court case.
Judicial Ethics: Authorized and Unauthorized Absences for Philippine Judges
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when judges incur unauthorized absences and when filing leave is required under CSC rules.