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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Retrenchment Requisites: When Economic Downturn Does Not Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requisites for valid retrenchment, including proof of losses and 30-day notice rules.
Supervisory Negligence: Clerks of Court Held Accountable for Monitoring Court Funds
Philippine Supreme Court holds clerks of court liable for simple neglect of duty for failing to supervise a cashier who misappropriated court funds.
SPV Law Notice Requirements: Protecting Debtor Rights in Asset Transfers
Learn how the SPV Law's notice requirements protect debtors when banks transfer non-performing loans to special purpose vehicles.
Upholding Comelec Discretion in Pre-Proclamation Controversies
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's broad discretion in dismissing pre-proclamation disputes, emphasizing limited scope of review and proper remedies.
Navigating Investment Incentives: The Finality of BOI Decisions and Appellate Procedure
The Supreme Court ruled that a denial of an income tax holiday by the Board of Investments must be appealed to the Court of Appeals, not the Office of the President.
Ancestral Domain vs Public Land: Resolving Indigenous Land Claims in Forest Reservations
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction over ancestral land claims but upholds protection of forest reservations from private claims.
Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal: Why Employers Must Justify Termination
Philippine law places the burden of proof on employers in illegal dismissal cases. Learn the rules and practical takeaways.
Breach OF Public Trust Dismissal FOR Malversation AND Dishonesty IN THE Judiciary
Courts Must Ensure Proper Appeal Venue in Malversation Cases
Supreme Court rules trial courts must forward appeals to the correct forum, protecting accused persons' right to liberty in malversation cases.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld: Minor Inconsistencies Do Not Undermine Police Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale and possession convictions, ruling that minor inconsistencies in police testimony do not impair credibility.
Attorney-Client Privilege: Examining the Boundaries of Confidentiality and Professional Duty
A disbarment case clarifies when attorney-client privilege exists and why courts defer to pending civil cases.
Redemption Rights When A Sale Disguises A Loan Equity Prevails
When a bank finances a subdivision project, it cannot ignore buyers who already paid for lots. The Supreme Court explains why.
Constructive Dismissal Defining Workplace Harassment AND Employer Rights
Learn when workplace harassment becomes constructive dismissal and how employers can defend termination decisions under Philippine law.
Who May File Libel Cases: City Prosecutor vs Provincial Prosecutor
Supreme Court rules on which prosecutor has authority to file libel Informations, and why a wrong prosecutor's filing is a fatal jurisdictional defect.
Forged Deeds and Good Faith Purchasers: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a forged deed can still produce a valid title—and when buyers lose the protection of the Torrens system.
Attorney-Client Relationship and Disbarment: When Personal Transactions Do Not Trigger Professional Liability
Supreme Court clarifies that free legal advice incidental to personal dealings does not establish attorney-client relationship for disbarment purposes.
Mortgagee's Duty to Verify Buyers Under PD 957: DBP v. Capulong
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that banks financing real estate projects must verify subdivision lot buyers before foreclosing mortgaged properties under PD 957.
Documentary Stamp Tax: Passbooks for High-Interest Savings Accounts Are Taxable
The Supreme Court ruled that passbook-evidenced high-interest savings accounts are taxable certificates of deposit under the documentary stamp tax law.
Burden OF Proof IN Illegal Dismissal Cases Employers Responsibility TO Substantiate Just Cause
Substituted Service in Labor Cases: Balancing Due Process and Efficient Resolution
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on substituted service in labor cases, balancing due process rights with the need for efficient resolution.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Establishing Undue Injury in Anti-Graft Cases
Supreme Court explains when delay in resolving a complaint constitutes
Redundancy in Labor Law Justifying Employee Termination During Business Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when business restructuring justifies termination and how regular employment status is determined under the four-fold test.
Rape and Moral Ascendancy: When the Sweetheart Defense Fails
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape, moral ascendancy of a live-in partner, and the limits of the sweetheart defense.
Default Judgments and Due Process: The Imperative of Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments, procedural compliance, and the limits of post-judgment remedies in civil cases.