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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Loss of Trust When Employee Criticism Doesnt Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules that loss of trust and confidence requires willful breach, not mere criticism or suspicion.
Warrant of Arrest Stands: Court Power Prevails Over DOJ Review
Supreme Court rules a judge's exclusive power to issue warrants of arrest cannot be suspended by a pending DOJ petition for review.
Constructive Dismissal When Unpaid Wages Create an Unjust Working Environment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural rules in labor cases, backwages, and reinstatement obligations of employers pending appeal.
Redemption Rights Strict Tender Of Full Payment Required In Foreclosure Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict tender of full payment for property redemption after extrajudicial foreclosure.
Correcting Land Title Errors When A Mistake Isnt Just A Mistake
The Supreme Court explains when a mistaken land partition can be corrected and why a free patent obtained through fraud is void.
Surety Bond Liability and Contract Changes in Construction Disputes: Stronghold v. Tokyu
When a construction contract changes, does a surety bond still hold? The Supreme Court explains in Stronghold v. Tokyu.
Carnapping Penalties: The Critical Importance of Allegations in the Information
In Andres v. People, the Supreme Court lowered a carnapping penalty because the Information failed to allege the qualifying circumstances proven at trial.
Family Home Exemption in the Philippines: Limits on Execution and the Duty to Prove Claims
A Supreme Court ruling shows that the family home exemption from levy is not automatic—the person claiming it must substantiate that the property is still a family home.
Dishonored Checks and Unpaid Debts: Why a Civil Case Does Not Always Stop a Criminal Charge
A civil collection suit does not automatically suspend a criminal case for violation of B.P. Blg. 22. The Supreme Court explains when a prejudicial question exists.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Union Security Clauses Balancing Workers Rights AND Collective Bargaining Agreements
Separation of Proceedings: Annulment Case Cannot Delay Writ of Possession
Supreme Court rules consolidation of annulment case with writ of possession petition is grave abuse, delays foreclosure remedy.
Redundancy, Retrenchment, and Strikes: Lessons from the Hyatt Regency Manila Case
The Supreme Court balances valid downsizing against illegal strikes, explaining redundancy, retrenchment, and quitclaims in the hotel industry.
Breach OF Public Trust Dismissal FOR Grave Misconduct Dishonesty AND Neglect OF Duty
Illegal Dismissal: Proving Valid Cause and the Right to Reinstatement and Backwages
Learn the rules on illegal dismissal, valid cause, and the employee's right to reinstatement and backwages from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Civil Liability Despite Acquittal: Quasi-Contracts and Unjust Enrichment in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when an acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability, citing quasi-contracts and solutio indebiti.
Falsification vs Misappropriation: When Paper Renewal Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a salesman's "paper renewal" amounts to falsification warranting dismissal, and when it does not.
Court Personnel Misconduct: When Dishonesty Justifies Dismissal and Loss of Trust
Explore when an employee's dishonest acts constitute serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying valid dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Sheriff Fees and Execution Expenses: What Rule 141 Requires
A sheriff's improper collection of execution expenses leads to suspension, highlighting the strict rules on sheriff fees under Rule 141.
Untimely Appeal Delivery to Courier Not Considered Filing Date in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that in labor appeals, delivery to a private courier does not count as filing; only actual receipt by NLRC matters.
Delivery in Sales Contracts: Ownership vs Possession and Prescription Periods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere possession transfer isn't?
U-Turn Negligence: When a Sudden Maneuver Establishes Fault in Vehicle Collisions
A sudden U-turn without signal lights can establish negligence and proximate cause in a vehicle collision, making the driver and employer liable for damages.
Joint Adoption Requirement for Married Couples Under Philippine Law
Philippine law requires married couples to adopt jointly. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why a spouse's mere consent is not enough.
Sheriffs Must Follow Rule 141 in Collecting Execution Expenses: Aprieto v. Lindo
A sheriff who collects execution expenses without court approval violates Rule 141 and faces suspension. Learn the rules from Aprieto v. Lindo.