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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Employee Dismissal Illegal Overseas Call Involvement AND DUE Process Rights
PLDT v. Tiamson: dismissal for illegal overseas call connection requires substantial evidence, not just unauthenticated affidavits and unsigned printouts.
Chattel Mortgage vs Installment Sales: Creditor Remedies in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a creditor may collect the unpaid balance after repossessing a vehicle under a chattel mortgage.
Tenancy Rights vs Overseer Status: What Philippine Agrarian Law Requires
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the six requisites of agricultural tenancy and why being an overseer or paid farmhand does not make one a tenant.
Gross Ignorance of the Law: When Can a Judge Be Held Liable
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when judges face administrative liability for judicial errors, gross ignorance, and misconduct.
Torrens Title vs Adverse Possession: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies how registered land under the Torrens system is protected against adverse possession claims.
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Judicial Contempt Limits on Punishment and Due Process Rights
Supreme Court clarifies limits on a judge's contempt power, including maximum penalties and the right to post bond.
Establishing Agricultural Tenancy: Key Elements and Landowner Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the indispensable elements of agricultural tenancy and when courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
When Can a Subordinate's Actions Be Excused? Lessons from Challenge Socks v. Buguat
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habitual neglect justifies dismissal and why procedural due process still matters in employee termination.
Habitual Absenteeism and Neglect of Duty: When Is Termination Justified in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when habitual absenteeism and neglect of duty justify dismissal, and the price employers pay for skipping due process.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Ruling on Employee Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Tax Credit Claims: Time Limits and Exceptions for Advance Payments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax credit claims for advance income tax payments, and when the two-year prescriptive period may not apply.
Injunction Against Government Interference: Protecting Contractual Advertising Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect contractual rights from government interference in advertising agreements.
Protecting Property Rights: Third-Party Claims in Attachment Proceedings
Learn how third-party claimants must protect property rights in attachment cases under Rule 57, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Demurrer to Evidence: When Can an Interlocutory Order Be Challenged
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges commit grave abuse of discretion in granting demurrers to evidence and how interlocutory orders may be challenged.
Land Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform A Landowners Guide
The Supreme Court explains the five-hectare retention limit under RA 6657 and when a landowner's property may be exempt from CARP coverage.
Dismissal Due to Illness: Employers Must Secure Medical Certification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Manly Express v. Payong clarifies employer obligations when terminating employees due to disease or illness.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge's Leniency Becomes Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's liberal grant of postponements and procedural lapses constitute administrative liability, not gross ignorance of law.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Vendettas Cloud Impartial Judgment
A look at how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial impartiality and the two-notice rule in dismissals.
Bank Employees, Breach of Trust, and Dismissal for Just Cause in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that bank employees who divert depositor funds may be dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, even if the bank suffered no proven loss.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Property Damage: Employer Liability for Employee Negligence
When a car fire destroys property, res ipsa loquitur may shift the burden to defendants. Learn the rule from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Third-Party Claims in Attachment: Following Rule 57’s Prescribed Remedies
A third-party claimant cannot shortcut attachment rules. The Supreme Court in Florido v. Shemberg clarifies the proper remedy under Rule 57.
When Can Unpaid Wages Be Offset Against Company Property? The Nadela Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when legal compensation applies to offset unpaid wages against company property in employee's custody.