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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Redundancy in Philippine Employment: When a Valid Termination Becomes Illegal Dismissal
Learn when redundancy is valid in Philippine labor law, and how the Supreme Court protects employees from illegal dismissal disguised as redundancy.
Robbery With Homicide Conviction Upheld Despite Conflicting Witness Testimony
Philippine Supreme Court affirms robbery with homicide conviction, ruling that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not weaken credible identification of the accused.
When Can CLOAs Be Cancelled? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when agrarian reform titles (CLOAs) can be cancelled despite indefeasibility, and which tribunal has jurisdiction.
Loss of Confidence in Employment Termination: What Jalit v. Cargo Safeway Teaches Us
When can an employer validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Jalit v. Cargo Safeway.
Attorney's Fees in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court's Aquino v. Domingo Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how lawyers may recover contingent fees in agrarian property cases when no written contract exists.
When Filing Two Property Lawsuits Is Not Forum Shopping: The Hocorma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing both an ejectment case and a collection suit over the same property does not constitute forum shopping.
Understanding Civil Liability in Criminal Cases When Estafa Acquittals Impact Loan Obligations
When an estafa accused is acquitted, can the victim still collect the loan? The Supreme Court explains civil liability ex delicto versus ex contractu.
The Indispensable Heir: Resolving Intra-Corporate Disputes Over Stock Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to implead indispensable parties in intra-corporate disputes warrants remand, not dismissal.
Social Media Ethics for Judges: Lessons from the Atillo Case
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's Facebook photos clarifies the ethical boundaries judges face when using social media in the Philippines.
Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Delayed Reporting: Protecting Minors and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based on a credible child victim's testimony, despite a five-year delay in reporting and minor inconsistencies.
Attorneys Fees in Agrarian Reform Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
When can CLOAs be cancelled in agrarian reform cases? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and the limits of indefeasibility of titles.
Novation Requires Unequivocal Terms: Asian Construction vs Mero Structures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when letters between parties create novation, and when an obligation remains unchanged.
Psychological Incapacity Under Philippine Law: The Tan-Andal Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court's Tan-Andal ruling reshapes how psychological incapacity is proven in Philippine marriage nullity cases. Learn what changed.
Property Claims in Probate: When Philippine Courts Can Decide Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when probate courts can rule on property claims against a decedent's estate, distinguishing money claims from ownership disputes.
When CLOAs Can Be Cancelled: Due Process and Landowner Retention Rights in CARP
The Supreme Court ruled that CLOAs may be cancelled when landowners' due process and retention rights are violated during CARP implementation.
Habitual Tardiness in Philippine Government Service: When Is It a Light Offense?
The Supreme Court clarifies when habitual tardiness is a light offense, not a grave one, in a 2021 ruling.
Malversation and Falsification: What the Cabarios Acquittal Means for Public Officials
The Supreme Court's Cabarios ruling clarifies the proof needed to convict public officials of malversation and falsification of public documents.
New Mayor’s Power to Withdraw Predecessor’s Motion: Berces v. CSC
Can a new mayor withdraw an administrative appeal filed by a predecessor? The Supreme Court clarifies succession, finality, and misconduct rules.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
COA Concurrence in Hiring Private Counsel: The PNOC-EC Case and New Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when government agencies must secure COA concurrence before hiring private lawyers, and how new rules ease this requirement.
Understanding Lease Rights and Obligations: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies the rights and obligations of lessors and lessees in lease agreements, offering practical guidance.
Serious Misconduct and Due Process in Employment Termination: Key Lessons from a 2021 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for serious misconduct and procedural due process in dismissing employees, using a university professor's case.
Hearsay and Reasonable Doubt: How Witness Testimony Impacts Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a homicide accused when prosecution evidence rests on hearsay and conflicting medical findings.
Unlocking Filipino Citizenship: How a Philippine Passport Can Prove Your Nationality
A Philippine passport is strong proof of citizenship. The Supreme Court explains its weight in correcting civil registry entries.