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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Union Interference Employers Duty IN Collective Bargaining Disputes
Liability on Roads When Foresight Falls Short
When a bank manager treated a personal check as cash in the vault, the Supreme Court clarified liability under the Anti-Graft Law.
Loss of Confidence in Philippine Labor Law: When Employers Must Prove Just Cause
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may dismiss for loss of confidence and what due process requires in termination cases.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Substantial Evidence Trumps Technical Rules
Explore how Philippine courts weigh substantial evidence over procedural technicalities in administrative proceedings, ensuring fairness and justice.
Voluntary Surrender in Philippine Law: When It Mitigates Criminal Liability
Learn when voluntary surrender mitigates criminal liability in the Philippines, based on De Vera v. De Vera (G.R. No. 172832).
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.
Silencing the Airwaves: When Local Regulations Infringe on Press Freedom
The Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot use permit requirements to silence broadcast media, reaffirming strict scrutiny for content-based restraints on press freedom.
Forum Shopping AND Security OF Tenure Balancing Equity IN Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies security of tenure for government executives, distinguishing third-level positions and reassignment rules.
Sugar Mill Loans: When Contract Terms Define Government's Right to Recover Funds
Supreme Court ruling on condonation scope in sugar mill loans, clarifying when banks and government can apply deposits to unpaid obligations.
OIL Deregulation AND THE Limits OF Judicial Review Balancing Economic Policy AND Public Interest
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Retirement Options for Re-Employed Government Employees: When Choice Is Lost
Explaining when a re-employed government retiree loses the right to choose a retirement law, based on Santos v. GSIS.
Breach of Trust: Clerk of Court Dismissed for Neglect in Handling Court Funds
A clerk of court's failure to deposit fiduciary funds on time is gross neglect of duty, warranting dismissal even with belated payment.
When Reclassified Positions Need New Appointments: Tagaro v. Garcia
The Supreme Court clarifies when position upgrades require new appointments and the consequences of forum shopping in government service disputes.
Untimely Election Protests: When Pre-Proclamation Petitions Do Not Suspend Filing Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pre-proclamation petition suspends the 10-day deadline for filing an election protest under Philippine law.
Election Tribunal vs Comelec: Who Resolves Disqualification Cases After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a winning candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET—not the Comelec—has sole jurisdiction over qualification disputes.
Bouncing Checks AND Lawyer Discipline Upholding Integrity IN THE Legal Profession
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Co-Ownership and Property Recovery: When Must All Owners Join a Lawsuit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners must be impleaded in property recovery suits under Article 487 of the Civil Code.
Conflicting Land Titles: Why Prior Titles Prevail in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conflicting land titles, explaining why earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones in property disputes.
Accountability Prevails THE Legal Implications OF Group Action AND Superior Force IN Criminal Liability
Title Disputes Proving Land Ownership IN Accion Publiciana Cases
Learn how co-owners can pursue accion publiciana without impleading all co-owners, and why non-joinder is not a ground for dismissal.
Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.