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.
Parental Authority vs. Individual Rights: Sterilization of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in the Phili
The Supreme Court's Falcis ruling clarifies justiciability standards, impacting how courts handle cases involving parental authority and individual rights for persons with disabilities.
Disbarment for Immorality Upholding Ethical Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court underscores that lawyers must uphold the highest ethical standards, with immorality as a ground for disbarment.
Falcis v. Civil Registrar General: Why the Supreme Court Declined to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage
The Supreme Court dismissed the petition seeking to legalize same-sex marriage in the Philippines, ruling on procedural grounds without deciding the constitutional merits.
Environmental Advocacy and the Attorney's Duty When Fisherfolk Voices Clash in the West Philippine Sea
How lawyers can ethically navigate environmental advocacy when fisherfolk voices clash in the West Philippine Sea.
Annulment of Title and the Doctrine of Non-Interference in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a trial court cannot annul a co-equal court's order, applying the doctrine of judicial stability.
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Notarizing Documents Without Personal Appearance 4
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for notarizing a deed without the parties' personal appearance, stressing notarization is not a routinary act.
Safeguarding Rights Strict Compliance With Drug Evidence Rules Ensures Fair Trials
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police fail to follow Section 21's witness and inventory rules, protecting the accused's rights.
Due Process and Employee Dismissal: Balancing Just Cause With Procedural Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without just cause is illegal even if procedural notice was given, entitling the employee to backwages and separation pay.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Prevails Over Claims of Ownership
Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who may seek ejectment.
Election Offenses: The 45-Day Ban on Releasing Public Funds for Livelihood Programs
Supreme Court clarifies the 45-day election ban on public fund releases covers LGU livelihood programs, not just DSWD projects.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Change Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on banks' unilateral interest rate hikes violating mutuality of contracts under Article 1308, Civil Code.
Retirement Benefits: Labor Code Prevails Over Inferior Company Plans
Philippine Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot provide benefits lower than the Labor Code's minimum under Article 287.
Illegal Dismissal: Probable Cause Alone Does Not Justify Termination
Supreme Court clarifies that probable cause for qualified theft does not automatically justify an employee's dismissal; substantial evidence is required.
Optional Retirement Pay Must Meet Labor Code Minimum, SC Rules in University of Cebu Case
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans cannot give less than the Labor Code's 22.5 days per year of service minimum.
Illegal Dismissal of Probationary Employee: When Performance Ratings Are a Subterfuge
Supreme Court affirms illegal dismissal ruling where probationary employee's poor rating was a sham, entitling him to backwages and damages.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Judicial Accountability: Gross Ignorance of the Law in Issuing Unlawful Arrest Warrants
When a judge issued arrest warrants in cases where the law forbids them, the Supreme Court held him liable for gross ignorance of the law.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Evidence Integrity Is Key to a Fair Trial
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the prosecution's duty to prove evidence integrity.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Ensuring Evidence Integrity in the Philippines
Why strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 is crucial in drug cases, and how broken chains lead to acquittal.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Consequences for Disregarding Court Directives
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on the unconstitutionality of the overseas partisan political activity ban and its implications for free speech.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Ensuring Fair Trials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the rule that preserves evidence integrity.
Upholding Torrens Title When Tax Declarations Fail to Prove Ownership
The Supreme Court affirms that a Torrens certificate of title prevails over tax declarations, which do not prove ownership. Learn the rules on collateral attacks and prescription.
Certiorari as an Improper Remedy: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Recovery of Possession
A party cannot use certiorari to challenge interlocutory orders like a denied motion to dismiss or default order when ordinary remedies exist.
Verbal Agreements vs Written Contracts: When a Lease or Workplace Transfer Can Be Modified
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when verbal notices and transfer orders are invalid, protecting employee security of tenure.