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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Judge Dismissed and Suspended From Law Practice for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born outside marriage.
Statutory Rape and Circumstantial Evidence: How Philippine Courts Weigh a Child's Testimony
In a 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court affirmed statutory rape convictions based largely on the child victim's testimony. Here is what the decision teaches.
Succession in Lease Agreements: Heirs' Obligations and Contractual Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease succession, heirs' obligations, and contractual liabilities in property sales with boundaries.
Eminent Domain vs Rulemaking: Prioritizing Fair Compensation in Expropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies that RA 8974 governs expropriation of national infrastructure projects, prioritizing immediate payment to property owners over Rule 67's deposit system.
Area vs Boundaries in Philippine Property Sales: What Buyers Must Know
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stated land area prevails over boundaries in property sales, and when price adjustments apply.
Lawyer Suspended for Contempt of Court: Upholding Attorneys’ Duty to Obey Court Orders
A lawyer's defiance of a writ of execution led to a one-month suspension, reaffirming that attorneys must obey court orders or face disciplinary action.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employer Actions Create Unbearable Working Conditions
Constructive dismissal happens when an employer makes continued work unbearable, forcing an employee to resign. Learn how Philippine law and the Supreme Court treat it.
Co-Owner Redemption Rights: When Actual Knowledge Overrides Written Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal redemption rights of co-owners, actual knowledge vs written notice, and laches in property sales.
Good Faith in Property Sales: Protecting Buyers From Fraudulent Land Titles
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void reconstituted titles and the rights of innocent purchasers for value in property sales.
Trust Betrayed: Understanding Illegal Dismissal Based on Loss of Confidence in the Philippines
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of confidence? The Supreme Court explains the rules and limits in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Breach of Trust When Public Office Becomes A Vehicle For Deception
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on breach of trust in Wah Yuen Restaurant v. Jayona.
Estafa Liability and the Need for Pre-Existing Fraudulent Intent in Business Dealings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that estafa requires false pretenses made before or simultaneously with the fraud, not mere subsequent breach.
Default Judgments and Proper Appeals: Navigating Procedural Errors in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court treats default judgments, appeal errors, and legal redemption deadlines in Philippine civil procedure.
Forum Shopping One Bite at the Apple in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court barred a co-owner's legal redemption claim for being filed seven years after actual knowledge of the sale, applying laches and the relaxed written notice rule.
Probate of Wills in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Testamentary Capacity Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in will probate and the test for testamentary capacity under the Civil Code.
Dismissal Denied: Why Properly Stating Your Cause of Action Matters in Philippine Courts
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on constructive dismissal in a security guard's case and why precise legal claims are crucial.
Corporate Officer Liability When Signing Loan Documents Leads to Criminal Charges in the Philippines
Learn when signing loan documents as a corporate officer can trigger criminal liability in the Philippines, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Understanding Contempt of Court When Persistence Crosses the Line
When does relentless filing become punishable contempt? The Supreme Court explains the limits of persistence in Alcantara v. Ponce.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why One Signature May Not Be Enough in Collective Labor Claims
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that in collective claims, a certification against forum shopping signed by only one petitioner is insufficient unless expressly authorized.
Attorney's Fees and Ethical Obligations in Disputes Over Legal Services
A Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal shows why courts award attorney's fees and how evidence must support claims for legal costs.
Administrative Accountability: When Can You File a Complaint Against a Philippine Court Employee
Learn when a complaint against court personnel prospers or fails, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Mikrostar Industrial Corporation v. Mabalot.
Upholding Intellectual Property Rights: The Supreme Court's Stance on Jurisdiction and Special Courts
The Supreme Court affirms RTC jurisdiction over IP violations and the validity of administrative orders designating special intellectual property courts.
Religious Freedom and Workplace Rules: The Ramadan Office Hours Ruling for Muslim Employees
The Supreme Court explains when religious accommodation in government workplaces is required by law and when it needs legislation.
Tax Refund vs Tax Credit: Understanding the Irrevocability of Choices in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a tax refund or tax credit choice becomes irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.