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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Transferee Recruitment Agency Liability and OFW Claims: The Grand Placement Case
Explaining when a transferee recruitment agency assumes liability for OFW claims, and why evidence still matters in monetary disputes.
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.
Supreme Court: No Waiver of Automatic Review in Death Penalty Cases
The High Court clarifies that death penalty cases undergo mandatory review, and the Court of Appeals cannot dismiss appeals for failure to file briefs.
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.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
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.
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.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
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.
Rescission of Real Estate Sales: Understanding Breach of Contract and Third Party Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who may sue for rescission of real estate contracts, real party in interest rule, and implied trusts under Article 1448.
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.
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.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Unconscionable? How the Supreme Court Upholds COA's Power to Claw Back Overpayments
The Supreme Court affirms the COA's power to disallow payments, recover overpayments, and hold contractors liable under the principle of quantum meruit.
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.
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.
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.
Unraveling Presumptions: How Philippine Courts Determine Marital Status and Inheritance Rights
Philippine courts rely on presumptions to decide marital status and inheritance. Learn how from a Supreme Court case on disputed marriages and heirs.
Clerk of Court's Duty: Why Proper Case Classification Matters in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk's duty to classify cases correctly, and why the body of a pleading matters more than its caption.
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.
When Court Employees Err: Administrative Liability for Simple Neglect of Duty
A Supreme Court ruling on when a court employee's error amounts to simple neglect of duty, not dishonesty or gross ignorance.
Protecting Marital Property: Why Proof of Acquisition During Marriage Matters in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the conjugal presumption requires proof the property was acquired during the marriage. Learn the rules.
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.