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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Disbarment for Grave Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply to Lawyers in Public Office
A lawyer's grave misconduct as a government official can warrant disbarment. The Supreme Court explains why public office does not excuse ethical lapses.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplinary Action for Failure to Pay Just Debts and Conduct Prejudicial to the Se
Supreme Court holds court employee liable for willful failure to pay just debts and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Judicial Discretion in Issuing Arrest Warrants: Balancing Rights and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges have sound discretion in issuing arrest warrants, not a ministerial duty, in Sesbreño v. Judge Aglugub.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.
Strikes at Sea: Balancing Seafarer Rights and Disciplinary Procedures in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer dismissal for joining a strike, emphasizing due process in maritime disciplinary procedures.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Mining Disputes vs Judicial Questions: Jurisdiction of the Panel of Arbitrators
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Panel of Arbitrators has jurisdiction over mining disputes and when regular courts should hear cases involving contract validity.
Finality of Judgments: Late Docket Fee Payment Dooms Appeal in Meatmasters Case
Learn how late payment of appellate docket fees affects judgment finality, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Meatmasters v. Lelis.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Upholding Property Rights: Valid Ownership in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that valid ownership is essential in ejectment cases, and only a true landowner can establish tenancy.
Retirement Pay Disputes: Reconciling Vouchers and Clearances in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on separation pay for validly dismissed employees, balancing social justice with employer trust and confidence standards.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
When a Judge's Private Letter Undermines Judicial Impartiality
Supreme Court reprimands a judge for writing university officials about his wife's cases, violating judicial conduct rules on impartiality.
Motion to Dismiss and the Imperative of Clear Reasoning in Court Resolutions
Why courts must clearly explain their rulings, and how the Supreme Court applies this principle in civil procedure.
Contributory Negligence in Vehicle Accidents: How It Affects Damage Awards
Philippine Supreme Court explains how contributory negligence reduces damage awards in vehicle accidents, using the Lambert v. Heirs of Castillon case.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.