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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Corporate Officer Status Determines Jurisdiction Illegal Dismissal Claims Must BE Filed IN Regular Courts
When a dismissed employee is a corporate officer, jurisdiction over illegal dismissal claims lies with regular courts, not the NLRC.
Voluntary Resignation Bars Seafarers Claims Understanding Contractual Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary resignation affects seafarers' claims for sickness allowance and disability benefits under POEA contracts.
Eminent Domain Authority and Just Compensation in Expropriation Cases
Supreme Court clarifies board authority for expropriation and the immediate payment rule under R.A. 8974 for writs of possession.
Seafarers Disability Claims: Weighing Company Doctor vs Independent Medical Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims when company physicians and independent doctors disagree, favoring the worker's evidence.
Judicial Accountability Judge Sanctioned FOR Undue Delay AND Disregard OF Supreme Court Directives
Shared Intent, Shared Liability: Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on murder, treachery, and voluntary surrender shows how intent and circumstance shape criminal liability and damages.
Summary Judgment Genuine Factual Issues Demand Full Trial
Truthfulness in Personal Data Sheets: Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
A Supreme Court ruling on a court employee's dishonest PDS shows how concealment of past administrative offenses can end a government career.
Forged Signatures and Public Trust: Examining Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
A lawyer's deceitful sale of client property leads to suspension, exploring falsification claims and professional responsibility.
When Can a Club Seize a Member's Share? The Valley Golf Case on By-Laws and Property Rights
A club cannot seize a fully paid membership share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing, says the Supreme Court.
Party List Representation AND Hold Over Principle Ensuring Continuity IN Political Organizations
Treachery and Intent in Philippine Criminal Law: The Nuances of Murder
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and conspiracy qualify a killing as murder under Philippine criminal law.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporation Be Sued?
Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation can be sued separately for civil liability from bounced checks even if the signing officer is acquitted.
Doubt Benefits The Accused When Witness Testimony Falls Short In Rape Cases
The Supreme Court explains that reasonable doubt in rape cases arises when witness testimony is inconsistent, uncorroborated, or fails to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
CARP Coverage Disputes: DAR Secretary Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Registered CLOAs
Supreme Court clarifies that CARP coverage disputes belong to the DAR Secretary, not DARAB, even when a CLOA is already registered.
Challenging Buy-Bust Operations: Supreme Court Upholds Drug Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, rejecting frame-up defense and clarifying warrantless arrest rules in buy-bust operations.
Murder Conviction Upheld: Treachery, Voluntary Surrender, and Damages Rules Clarified
SC clarifies treachery, voluntary surrender, and damages in murder cases, affirming reclusion perpetua for a bolo attack.
DNA Evidence and Paternity: Establishing Paternity Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court first applied the DNA Rules to confirm paternity and uphold a rape conviction.
When Club By-Laws Fail: Protecting Membership Shares from Unjust Seizure
A Supreme Court ruling on when a non-stock corporation may validly dispose of a member's share for unpaid dues, and the limits of by-law authority.
When a Club Can’t Sell Your Share: Valley Golf and Membership Termination
A non-stock club cannot seize a fully-paid member’s share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing. Learn the rule.
Proxy Validation vs Solicitation: SEC and RTC Jurisdiction in Corporate Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when proxy disputes in corporate elections belong to the RTC, not the SEC, under the Securities Regulation Code.
Philippine Supreme Court Upholds Cigarette Tax Classification and Uniformity
The Court upholds the constitutionality of the cigarette excise tax classification system under RA 9334, rejecting equal protection, uniformity, and unfair competition challenges.
Sheriff Dismissed for Grave Misconduct and Dishonesty Over Bail Bond Dealings
Supreme Court dismisses a sheriff for grave misconduct and dishonesty after he pocketed money meant for a complainant's bail bond.
Enforcing a Final Disbarment Ruling: The Doctrine of Immutability of Judgment in A.C. No. 12880
The Supreme Court enforces a final disbarment decision, citing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and holding a lawyer in contempt for defiance.