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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Understanding Regular Employment Status and Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a worker becomes a regular employee and what constitutes illegal dismissal, using a truck driver's case.
When Bank Receivership Suspends B.P. 22 Liability: What Creditors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how bank receivership suspends check payment obligations and bars B.P. 22 criminal liability for bank officers.
Notarization Without Signatories Present: Supreme Court Disciplines Lawyer in Montinola Case
The Supreme Court suspended a notary public for notarizing a deed without the signatories present, reaffirming strict notarial rules.
Eyewitness Identification in Philippine Criminal Cases: Lessons from People v. Torres
The Supreme Court acquitted Michael Torres, ruling that unreliable eyewitness identification cannot sustain a conviction beyond reasonable doubt.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Medical Assessments and Compensati
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is presumed work-related and why a company doctor's bare finding of non-work relation is not enough.
What a Notarized Deed Must Have: Lessons from a Philippine Property Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on notarization requirements in a family property dispute, and what it means for heirs and property owners.
Psychological Incapacity Under Article 36: The Quilpan Ruling and the Totality of Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, emphasizing totality of evidence over psychiatric examination requirements.
Consent in Rape Cases: Insights from People v. San Pedro (G.R. 219850)
A landmark Supreme Court ruling on consent, evidence, and proof beyond reasonable doubt in rape cases involving a deaf-mute complainant.
Navigating Libel Jurisdiction: Key Insights From Philippine Supreme Court Rulings on Broadcast Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Revised Penal Code's venue rules apply to libel committed through radio and television broadcasts.
Understanding Solidary Liability in Audit Disallowances: Lessons from Lozada v. COA
The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability for audit disallowances, explaining how COA may collect from any liable officer.
Legal Standing and Procedural Remedies: Key Lessons From a Banking Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling on inordinate delay in preliminary investigation shows how procedural remedies and legal standing work in Philippine courts.
Property Transactions and Novation: Lessons from East West Banking v. Cruz
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank—or any party—can sue, and why choosing the wrong appeal can end a case.
Inordinate Delay and the Right to Speedy Disposition of Cases in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court protects your right to speedy disposition of cases, explained through the landmark Campa, Jr. v. Paras ruling.
Bid Withdrawal vs. Not Bidding: The Jaspe Case on RA 9184 and Grave Misconduct
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between bid withdrawal and simply not bidding under RA 9184, and when BAC members may be liable for grave misconduct.
Environmental Tort and Negligence: Protecting Property Owners From Damages
Learn how the Supreme Court addressed environmental tort, negligence, and property damages in a case involving Lake Lanao flooding.
Construction Contract Disputes: Supreme Court Ruling on Delay and Contractor Obligations
A look at a 2021 Supreme Court ruling on construction delays, variation orders, and contractor liability for unfinished work.
Finality Prevails: Why Prior Judgments Bar Annulment Based on the Same Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that receiving final retirement benefits bars a later illegal dismissal claim.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and when it amounts to constructive dismissal in illegal termination cases.
Intervention in Property Disputes: Lessons from the Supreme Court on Timely Action and Procedure
The Supreme Court explains when intervention in property cases is proper, and why procedural rules still matter even in equitable remedies.
Non-Remittance of Judiciary Funds: Accountability and Consequences for Clerks of Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that clerks of court face administrative liability for unremitted judiciary funds, even after full restitution, in a recent ruling.
Understanding Qualified Rape and Child Abuse Penalties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when rape is qualified, why the penalty was reduced here, and what child abuse requires.
Due Process and Speedy Trial Rights in Philippine Criminal Cases: Insights from Baterina v. Sandiganbayan
The Supreme Court clarifies due process and speedy disposition rights in criminal cases, affirming the Ombudsman's broad powers in Baterina v. Sandiganbayan.
Ultra Vires Acts and Contract Validity: The SSS Loan Case Explained
When government agencies exceed their powers, contracts may be void. The Supreme Court explains ultra vires acts and their impact on Philippine contracts.
Understanding Refund Obligations for Illegally Disbursed Government Benefits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must refund disallowed benefits, applying the Madera rules on return.