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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Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived by Appeal Abandonment
The Supreme Court rules the Court of Appeals erred in dismissing an automatic death penalty review due to the accused's failure to file a brief.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Philippine Real Estate Security Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a deed of sale with right to repurchase is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property.
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived: People v. Flores
The Supreme Court rules that appellate courts cannot dismiss death penalty appeals for failure to file briefs, as review is mandatory.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, loss of trust and confidence, and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
When Can Someone Not a Party to a Contract Sue? The Real Party in Interest Rule
Philippine Supreme Court explains the real party in interest rule and when a non-party to a contract can sue for rescission.
Independent Contractor OR Employee Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, protecting worker rights.
Supreme Court Dismisses Sheriff for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a sheriff's dismissal for dishonesty, extortion, and neglect—and what this means for court personnel integrity.
Fiscal Autonomy of the Judiciary: Limits on DBM Control Over Court Positions
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy and administrative supervision over court personnel, limiting DBM's power to alter judicial positions.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Public Trust: Court Employees Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismisses two MTC employees for grave misconduct and dishonesty over misappropriated judiciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Probable Cause and Warrants of Arrest: Safeguarding Your Rights in the Philippines
Understand probable cause and warrant issuance in Philippine criminal procedure, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Joya v. Marquez.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Causation in Philippine Law
When can a seafarer's family claim death benefits? The Supreme Court explains the evidence needed to prove work-related causation.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements WHY Agency Interpretations Matter IN Philippine LAW
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Ministerially Despite Third-Party Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules sheriffs have ministerial duty to enforce writs; third-party claims require indemnity bond, not delay.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.
Judicial Ethics and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with procedural rules in certiorari petitions and the importance of judicial ethics in the Philippines.
Employee vs Stockholder Status: When Managers Are Still Employees Under Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a manager who may also be a stockholder remains an employee entitled to labor law protections.
Discretion in Government Bidding: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains the wide discretion of government agencies in bidding awards and the limits of judicial review.
Contract Termination and Forum Shopping: Lease Rights and Obligations Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on lease contract termination, subleasing without consent, and forum shopping in Riesenbeck v. Maceren.
Upholding Court Orders: Administrative Liability for Judicial Delay in the Philippines
A look at how the Supreme Court penalizes judges for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period.
Intervention in Philippine Courts: Why Legal Interest Is Non-Negotiable
The Supreme Court explains why a woman who married a man whose foreign divorce was void in the Philippines cannot intervene in his annulment case.
Integrity in Public Service: Consequences of Dishonest Civil Service Eligibility in the Philippines
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a court employee for fraudulently obtaining civil service eligibility, and its implications for public servants.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Securing CIAC Jurisdiction Despite Contractual Clauses
How the Supreme Court affirmed CIAC's exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes even when contracts name another forum or process.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Understanding Grave Abuse in Philippine Law
When is a judge's error "grave abuse of discretion"? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine and its limits in this 2006 ruling.