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.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Self-Defense and Double Jeopardy: Key Lessons from People v. De Leon
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. De Leon clarifies the strict requirements for self-defense and the absolute protection against double jeopardy in Philippine criminal law.
Upholding Stockholder Rights Jurisdiction In Intra Corporate Disputes Involving Sequestered Entities
The Supreme Court clarifies that intra-corporate disputes involving sequestered firms belong to the RTC, not the Sandiganbayan.
How Appeals Affect Preliminary Attachments: Jurisdiction and Ancillary Remedies
When a main case is appealed, the trial court loses jurisdiction over the attachment. Learn the rule from Northern Islands v. Garcia.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Notarial Register Errors in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court holds notary public liable for erroneous notarial register entries, stressing the duty to record every notarial act accurately.
Attorney Suspended for Dishonored Checks: Ethical Duties Beyond the Courtroom
Issuing worthless checks can cost a lawyer more than criminal liability—it can trigger suspension from practice, as this case shows.
Assignment of Credit vs. Assumption of Liability: Clarifying a Bank's Role in Property Development
When a bank buys a developer's receivables, does it inherit the developer's obligations to buyers? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Quieting of Title: Courts Cannot Consider Outside Evidence in Determining Cause of Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that in resolving a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action, courts must look only at the complaint's allegations.
Due Process and Administrative Investigations: The Limits of Certiorari
When can a government official question a show cause order through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of this remedy.
Suspension of Arraignment, DOJ Review, and the Right to Speedy Trial in Copyright Cases
Explaining when courts may suspend arraignment pending DOJ review and how delay affects the right to speedy trial in copyright infringement cases.
Upholding Ministerial Duty Dismissal OF Disbarment Complaint FOR Good Faith Registration Actions
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaints against lawyers and registrars over good faith registration actions, clarifying ministerial duties.
Indispensable Parties in Partition Suits: Ensuring Complete Justice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be joined in partition actions and why dismissal is the wrong remedy for non-joinder.
Satisfaction of Judgment and the Right to Appeal: Navigating Mootness in Philippine Labor Law
When paying a labor award does not end the case: the Supreme Court clarifies the mootness doctrine in seafarer disability disputes.
Influence Peddling IN THE Legal Profession Upholding Ethical Standards AND Public Trust
Understand when a lawyer's error becomes gross misconduct, and why obeying court orders is a sacred duty.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Expropriation: When Legal Interest and Consequential Damages Are Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest and consequential damages apply in expropriation cases, and who pays transfer taxes.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
Retirement Benefits for Seasonal Workers: Entitlement and Computation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how seasonal workers' retirement pay is computed under Article 287 and RA 7641, including the six-month rule.
Res Judicata When Prior Judgments Prevent Relitigation of Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how res judicata bars relitigation of land ownership disputes, using a 2015 Philippine Supreme Court ruling as a guide.
Limits on Notarial Powers: Balancing Public Service and Official Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when clerks of court may act as ex officio notaries and when they overstep their authority.
Speedy Trial Dismissal Is an Acquittal: Double Jeopardy and Finality in Criminal Cases
A dismissal for violation of the right to speedy trial is an acquittal that bars re-prosecution. Learn the rules and practical lessons from this case.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and when it violates a worker's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.