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 Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished simple misconduct from gross neglect of duty in a flawed government procurement case.
Child Trafficking and Sexual Abuse: Philippine Law and Victim Protection
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies qualified trafficking in persons and rape, and the strong legal protections for minor victims in the Philippines.
Case-Fixing in the Ombudsman: When Dishonesty Leads to Dismissal from Service
The Supreme Court affirms that case-fixing in the Ombudsman warrants dismissal, clarifying the standards of conduct for public servants.
Protecting Employee Rights: How Forced Resignation Leads to Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when forced resignation amounts to constructive dismissal, protecting employees from hostile work environments and coercive employer conduct.
Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: When Resignation Isn't Voluntary
The Supreme Court explains when a resignation is actually constructive dismissal—a dismissal in disguise—and what remedies an employee can claim.
GSIS Housing Loans and Insurance: Protecting Heirs' Rights After a Borrower's Death
A Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans clarifies when Sales Redemption Insurance applies and how heirs can save a deceased borrower's property from cancellation.
Drug Use in the Philippine Judiciary: When Rehabilitation Trumps Dismissal
The Supreme Court suspends a court employee for one year instead of dismissing him, signaling a shift toward rehabilitation for drug use.
GSIS Housing Loan Death Claims: When Insurance Lapses but Equity Survives
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on GSIS housing loans, Sales Redemption Insurance coverage, and heirs' right to restructure after a borrower's death.
Gym Liability in the Philippines: Negligence, Member Disclosure, and the Slimmers World Case
Who pays when a gym member suffers a medical emergency? The Supreme Court's Slimmers World ruling clarifies negligence, causation, and member responsibility.
PAL Aviation Fuel Tax Exemption: Supreme Court Clarifies Importation Rules
Supreme Court affirms PAL's refund for Jet A-1 fuel import taxes, interpreting PD 1590's tax exemption conditions.
Simple Misconduct vs. Grave Misconduct: A Philippine Government Accountability Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in Aragon-Mabang v. Ombudsman, a landmark 2024 ruling on public officer liability.
Dishonesty and Insubordination in the Workplace: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
The Supreme Court rules on serious dishonesty and gross insubordination by a court employee who tampered with her daily time record.
Tax Assessment Time Limits: How a Missed Deadline Can Save You Millions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax assessment prescription periods, false returns, and why the BIR's missed deadlines can invalidate deficiency assessments.
Social Media Conduct and Lawyer Discipline: Ethical Boundaries in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a lawyer's Facebook post shows how social media conduct can lead to contempt and disciplinary action.
Bill of Particulars in Philippine Criminal Procedure: What Enrile v. Sandiganbayan Teaches
The Supreme Court clarifies the role and limits of a bill of particulars in criminal cases, and the remedies available to an accused.
Unlawful Detainer: Tenant Rights and Obligations in the Philippines
A tenant cannot deny the landlord's title, and procedural rules in ejectment cases must be strictly followed.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules, employer liability, and employee rights in illegal dismissal cases involving contractors.
Defense of Relatives in the Philippines: When Is Killing Justified?
Philippine law allows killing to defend a relative, but strict conditions apply. Learn the rules from the Galorio case.
HIV Status and Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Law Protections for OFWs
The Supreme Court ruled that terminating an OFW solely because of HIV status is illegal dismissal, affirming Philippine law protections.
Lawyer Disbarred for Falsifying Court Documents: A Landmark Ethics Ruling
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for falsifying a nullity of marriage judgment, reaffirming the high ethical standards required of Philippine attorneys.
Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases: Nullifying COA Decisions for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court nullified COA decisions after an 11-year delay, reaffirming the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Child Custody in the Philippines: The Best Interest of the Child Standard
Philippine courts decide child custody disputes by one standard: the child's best interest. Learn the factors, the law, and a landmark 2024 ruling.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Court Employees Cross the Line in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for dishonesty against court employees and the importance of integrity in the judiciary.