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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Constructive Dismissal Claims Require Proof of Employer Knowledge and Inaction
Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary resignation stands unless the employee proves the employer knew of intolerable conditions and did nothing.
Jumping Bail in the Philippines: Why Absconding Can Cost You Your Appeal — Lessons from Alva v. Court of Appea
Can fleeing while on bail kill your appeal? The Supreme Court says yes. Learn the rules from Alva v. Court of Appeals.
Fatal Flaws in Philippine Wills: Why Proper Attestation and Acknowledgment Are Non-Negotiable
Learn why the Supreme Court denied probate of a notarial will with three fatal defects under the Civil Code's formal requirements for wills.
Lost Votes Lost Mandates: Why Proper Comelec Rehearing Procedures Matter in Philippine Elections
A tied Comelec vote on a mayoral proclamation was resolved by "re-consultation" instead of a rehearing. The Supreme Court explains why procedure matters.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Heart Condition and Fitness for Sea Duty After Bypass Surgery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer permanent total disability benefits after heart bypass surgery under the 1996 POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
Employees' Compensation Claims: When Occupational Diseases Are Compensable
GSIS v. Valenciano clarifies when hypertension, pneumonia, and tuberculosis are compensable under Philippine employees' compensation law.
Work-Related Illness Compensation in the Philippines: Employee Rights Under PD 626 Explained
Learn how the GSIS vs. Valenciano case clarifies compensable work-related illnesses under PD 626, including occupational disease rules and employee rights.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Backwages Only for Bad Faith Termination
Learn when reinstated government employees can claim backwages, and why procedural rules on appeals must still be followed.
Lost Your Case ON A Technicality Understanding Verification AND Certification IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to verify a petition or certify against forum shopping can end a case before it begins.
Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular vs project employee status, security of tenure, and the two-notice rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Dishonesty IN Public Office Consequences AND Prevention IN THE Philippines
Why 15 Days Matter: Appeal Deadlines in HLURB Real Estate Cases
A missed 15-day appeal deadline in HLURB cases is fatal. Learn the rule from United Overseas Bank v. Ching.
Protecting THE Vote Understanding Ballot BOX Integrity IN Philippine Election Disputes
Undue Injury and Bad Faith: Key Elements in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases
Explaining the Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan ruling on mandatory suspension and the interpretation of fraud in anti-graft cases.
Optional Retirement vs Financial Assistance: Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when optional retirement is an employer's prerogative and when financial assistance may still be granted as an equitable concession.
Mandatory Suspension of Public Officials: Falsification of Documents as Fraud Against Government Funds
Explaining Bustillo v. Sandiganbayan: when falsification of official documents triggers mandatory preventive suspension under RA 3019.
Beyond the Case Title: Why Complaint Allegations Dictate Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a case is for ejectment or collection of sum of money.
When a Court Employee's Misconduct Outside the Courtroom Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court dismissed a court cashier for tampering with official receipts and misappropriating judiciary funds, reaffirming that integrity is required of all court personnel.
Preventing Spurious Bail Bonds: Court Employee Accountability in the Philippines
The Supreme Court holds court personnel accountable for negligence that allowed spurious bail bonds and release orders to free detained prisoners.
Dismissal Upheld FOR Dishonest Timekeeping Integrity IN Public Service
Writ of Possession: What Foreclosure Sale Purchasers Should Know
Understanding the writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosure sales, and why courts issue it as a ministerial duty to the purchaser.