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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When a Lawyer's Complaint Against a Judge Becomes a Groundless Suit
Filing an unsubstantiated administrative complaint against a judge can violate the Code of Professional Responsibility and result in discipline.
Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.
Rape Conviction Affirmed on Credibility of Testimony and Weak Defense of Alibi
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining why credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Unwavering Enforcement: The Duty to Execute Final Judgments Despite Obstruction
Final judgments must be executed. This case shows how courts can cancel titles to enforce a ruling despite a party's obstruction.
Overseas Dreams, Broken Promises: The High Cost of Illegal Recruitment
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a Japanese national for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying penalties and damages.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Belated Filing of Non-Forum Shopping Certification
The Supreme Court clarifies when belated filing of a certification against forum shopping may be excused in land registration cases.
Witness Testimony and Pre-Trial Admissions Establishing Guilt in Illegal Recruitment Cases
How witness testimony and admissions established guilt in a large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa case involving a Japanese national.
Breach of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances: Balancing Justice and Compassion in Public Service Misconduct
When a clerk of court faces dismissal for fund shortages, mitigating circumstances can temper the penalty. The Supreme Court explains how.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Press Freedom vs Judicial Independence: Balancing Criticism and Contempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's 2008 ruling on columnist Amado Macasaet clarifies the line between fair press criticism and indirect contempt of court.
Lis Pendens and Fraudulent Patents: When a Buyer Is Not in Good Faith
The Supreme Court explains when a notice of lis pendens defeats a claim of good faith purchase of registered land.
Breach OF Public Trust Dismissal FOR Dishonesty AND Misconduct IN Handling Court Funds
Harbor Pilot Nighttime and Overtime Pay Entitlement Clarified
Supreme Court affirms harbor pilots' right to nighttime and overtime pay under PPA Administrative Order No. 03-85, rejecting PPA resolutions that disallowed such compensation.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Lessons from a Supreme Court Employee's Case
The Supreme Court defines habitual absenteeism for court employees and explains the penalties, including when suspension is no longer practicable.
Ombudsman's Discretion to Dismiss Complaints and Due Process Rights
Explaining when filing complaints with government agencies is a protected right, not an abuse of rights, under Philippine law.
Forum Shopping and Co-Ownership: Res Judicata Boundaries in Property Disputes
Learn when a second property case is barred by forum shopping or res judicata, and how co-ownership affects party identity under Philippine law.
Fresh Period Rule and Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Explaining the fresh period rule for appeals, its retroactive effect, and why the wrong remedy still fails in Makati Insurance v. Reyes.
Valid Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Rules Protect Corporate Rights
Learn how strict service of summons rules protect corporations from default judgments in Philippine civil procedure.
Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: Admissibility of Additional Evidence After Pre-Trial
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may allow additional evidence after pre-trial without violating due process.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Good Faith vs Public Interest: How the Supreme Court Resolves Philippine Land Title Disputes
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling shows why a buyer's claim of good faith cannot defeat the State's right to reclaim fraudulently acquired public land.
Treachery IN Plain Sight Analyzing Criminal Intent IN Murder Cases
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.