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.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Due Process vs Economic Realities: Navigating Termination in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action accrues and what valid termination requires under POEA-SEC.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal When Preventive Suspension Becomes Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reduced work assignment is valid management prerogative and when a subsequent dismissal becomes illegal.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Lessons from People v. Ramos
A buy-bust conviction reversed for broken chain of custody. Learn the Section 21 rules and practical compliance tips.
Understanding Procedural Missteps in Philippine Legal Appeals: The Gallego Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed in favor of substantive justice, especially in illegal dismissal cases.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Plea Bargaining in Philippine Drug Cases: What the Supreme Court's Sayre Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies plea bargaining in drug cases: prosecutors' guidelines bind the prosecution, not the courts.
Understanding Arbitrary Detention and Murder: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
A Supreme Court ruling explains when police detention becomes arbitrary detention and murder, and how complex crimes are charged.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Treachery and Self-Defense in Philippine Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when treachery applies in murder cases, how self-defense claims are weighed, and the limits of conspiracy liability.
Vicarious Liability and Common Carrier Duties: The Mendoza Case Explained
Learn how the Mendoza ruling clarifies employer liability for employee negligence and the obligations of common carriers in the Philippines.
When a Sleeping Victim Meets Treachery: Insights from People v. Dela Peña
The Supreme Court affirms a murder conviction where the victim was stabbed while asleep, explaining treachery and self-defense under Philippine law.
Understanding Dismissal for Non-Prosecution Implications for Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that construction-related property damage claims belong in regular courts, not CIAC arbitration.
Lawyer Negligence Consequences and Duties in Philippine Legal Practice
A lawyer's failure to file an appeal brief is inexcusable negligence. The Supreme Court explains duties and penalties.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Serious Misconduct: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn when an employee's public statements can be valid grounds for dismissal for serious misconduct under Philippine labor law.
Direct Assault vs. Resistance to Authority: The Mallari Case Explained
The Supreme Court in Mallari v. People clarifies when force against a police officer is direct assault or merely resistance to authority.
Moral Character and Bar Admission: Overcoming Obstacles to Legal Practice
How the Supreme Court weighed pending criminal cases against moral fitness in bar admission, and when a bar applicant may finally take the oath.
Understanding the Legal Boundaries of Property Disputes and Lawyer Conduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when lawyers face discipline in property disputes, and the limits of self-help in possession cases.
Directors' Liability for SSS Contributions: When Courts May Deny Withdrawal of Information
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on directors' liability for unpaid SSS contributions and the trial court's discretion in criminal cases.
When Lawyer Zeal Crosses the Line: Lessons from Zamora v. Mahinay
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's vigorous advocacy becomes an ethical violation, and when it remains protected professional duty.