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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Inadvertent Misrepresentation as a Lawyer: When It Is Not Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that inadvertent misrepresentation as a lawyer without intent to practice is not indirect contempt.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Chain of Custody Is Key: How Mishandled Evidence Can Undermine Drug Cases in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how poor court records management delays justice, and why drug cases demand stricter handling of evidence and dockets.
Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Labor Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employer-employee relationship is jurisdictional in illegal dismissal cases and when corporate officers can be held liable.
Court Personnel Extortion: Dismissal for Misappropriation of Court Funds
Supreme Court ruling on court employee extortion and misappropriation of court documents, explaining penalties under the new Code of Conduct.
Navigating DOLE Inspections: Employer Rights and Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies employer rights and obligations during DOLE labor inspections, emphasizing compliance, due process, and the Regional Director's jurisdiction.
Valid Retrenchment in the Philippines: When Can a Company Terminate Employees Due to Financial Losses
The Supreme Court explains the requirements for valid retrenchment due to financial losses, including notice, separation pay, and proof of losses.
When "No Work, No Pay" Doesn't Apply: Employee Rights During Internal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee under investigation may still be entitled to wages, even if not reporting for work.
When Rape Is Attempted, Not Consummated: The Miranda Case on Penetration
The Supreme Court clarifies when rape is attempted rather than consummated, and how penalties and damages differ under Philippine law.
Philippine Election Law: When COMELEC Loses Jurisdiction to the HRET After Proclamation
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Planas v. COMELEC on when a candidate's proclamation divests COMELEC of jurisdiction in favor of the HRET.
Habitual Tardiness of Government Employees: Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's habitual tardiness clarifies that health and traffic excuses do not justify repeated lateness.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Overzealous Court Service Becomes a Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff misconduct when overzealous implementation of court orders and service of pleadings exceeds authority.
Maintaining Decorum: Why Respectful Language Is Non-Negotiable for Lawyers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court's Molina v. Pacific Plans ruling clarifies how a manager's disrespectful conduct and disloyalty can justify dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Public Servants Must Pay Just Debts: A Lesson in Integrity in Philippine Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: public employees face reprimand for willful failure to pay just debts, upholding integrity in public service.
Red Flags in Permit Applications: Avoiding Administrative Liability for Public Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Bedruz v. Ombudsman explains how approving permits with glaring defects can make public officials administratively liable.
Personal Liability for Business Debts: Surety and Co-Maker Obligations in Philippine Loans
Learn when Philippine courts hold corporate officers personally liable as sureties or co-makers on business loans, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ of Execution: Diligence Must Not Overstep Authority
A sheriff's premature implementation of a court order and service of a party's motion led to suspension for simple misconduct.
Salary Standardization Law: When Allowance Integration Is Valid Under RA 6758
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that NPC's integration of employee welfare allowance into salaries under RA 6758 was valid, and why mandamus failed.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Dismissal vs Proportionality: Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty for employee misconduct? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
Real Property Tax Exemption for Telecoms: Understanding Franchise Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Bayantel's real property tax exemption under its legislative franchise, and what this means for telecom companies.
Lawyer's Inaction Causing Case Dismissal Is Professional Misconduct: Agustin v. Empleo
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands a lawyer for four years of inaction on a court order, resulting in case dismissal. Know the duty.
CBA Hiring Rules vs Management Prerogative: What Employers and Unions Must Know
Supreme Court ruling on when management can set hiring qualifications for CBA recommendees, and when established practice binds the employer.
Dismissed on Technicality: Why Proper Procedure Is Key in Philippine Certiorari Cases
A behest-loan case dismissed as moot shows why choosing the right remedy—Rule 65, not Rule 45—matters in Philippine procedure.