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.
Court Interpreter Dismissed for Misappropriating Fiduciary Funds: A Lesson in Public Trust
Supreme Court dismisses court interpreter for misappropriating P540,500 in fiduciary funds, underscoring strict accountability for court personnel.
Extraordinary Diligence in Cargo Delivery: Common Carrier Responsibilities and Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier extraordinary diligence standards in cargo delivery disputes, balancing shipper protections with carrier defenses.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Ensuring Fair Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how to compute incremental proceeds from tuition fee increases for employee benefits under RA 6728.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
Why Deadlines Matter in Appeals: The Rule on Inexcusable Neglect
A one-day late appeal cost a company its case. Learn the strict rule on reglementary periods and inexcusable neglect in Philippine appeals.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.
Court Personnel Must Answer Written Inquiries Promptly: A Lesson from A.M. No. P-04-1912
Court employees must respond in writing to public inquiries within 15 working days. Verbal replies are not enough.
Proper Service of Notices to Counsel: A Due Process Requirement in Philippine Litigation
A notice sent to the wrong person is no notice at all. The Supreme Court explains why service to counsel matters.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining Possession in Bank Teller Cases
When does a bank teller's misappropriation of funds constitute qualified theft rather than estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction.
Upholding Regional Autonomy National Laws Must Respect Powers of Muslim Mindanao
The Supreme Court affirms that national laws cannot override ARMM autonomy, striking down a law that encroached on devolved powers.
Constructive Dismissal: The Employer's Duty to Offer Reasonable Assignments
When a security guard was left without assignments for months after his post ended, the Supreme Court ruled this constituted constructive dismissal.
Security of Tenure vs Political Patronage: Protecting Civil Service Employees From Unlawful Dismissal
When a mayor forced a municipal engineer to resign or transfer, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that civil service security of tenure cannot be sacrificed to political patronage.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes When a Pending Case Shifts With the Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how jurisdictional changes in labor law apply to pending cases, using UST v. Canicosa as the guide.
Recovering Ill-Gotten Wealth: The State's Right to Sue Public Officials' Heirs
The Supreme Court affirms the State's right to recover ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of public officials, free from prescription, laches, or estoppel.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
Simple Neglect of Duty: When Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint Does Not End Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that withdrawal of an administrative complaint does not erase liability for simple neglect of duty by public officers.
Supreme Court Reinstates NLRC Ruling on Belated Labor Appeal: Timeliness Matters
SC ruling clarifies that belated appeals to the NLRC cannot be excused by mere merit arguments, reaffirming strict procedural rules.
Default Judgments and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Notice in Legal Proceedings
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in default judgments, emphasizing fair notice and the proper remedy for appealing decisions.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Hazard Pay Eligibility: Defining Public Health Workers Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies who qualifies as public health workers for hazard pay under RA 7305, using the GSIS case as example.
Limits to Property Rights: Balancing Bank Security and Depositor Access
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may bar a dismissed employee-depositor from its premises without abusing property rights.
Illegal Dismissal and Retirement Age: When Expiring Contracts Mask Unlawful Termination
Supreme Court clarifies when a "contract expiration" is really illegal dismissal, and why early retirement requires an employee's explicit consent.