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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Fiscal Autonomy of the Judiciary: Limits on DBM Control Over Court Positions
The Supreme Court affirms its fiscal autonomy and administrative supervision over court personnel, limiting DBM's power to alter judicial positions.
SSS Death Benefits for Legal Spouses: Separation Agreements and Beneficiary Rights
A look at how Philippine law treats legal spouses as SSS primary beneficiaries despite separation agreements, and the procedural lessons from a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Independent Contractor OR Employee Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test IN Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, protecting worker rights.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Ministerially Despite Third-Party Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules sheriffs have ministerial duty to enforce writs; third-party claims require indemnity bond, not delay.
Probable Cause and Warrants of Arrest: Safeguarding Your Rights in the Philippines
Understand probable cause and warrant issuance in Philippine criminal procedure, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Joya v. Marquez.
How Minority Affects Criminal Liability: The Larrañaga Case on Privileged Mitigating Circumstances
The Supreme Court explains how the privileged mitigating circumstance of minority lowers penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, loss of trust and confidence, and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
Breach of Public Trust: Court Employees Held Accountable for Mismanagement of Judiciary Funds
The Supreme Court dismisses two MTC employees for grave misconduct and dishonesty over misappropriated judiciary funds, reaffirming that public office is a public trust.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements WHY Agency Interpretations Matter IN Philippine LAW
Automatic Review of Death Penalty Cases Cannot Be Waived by Appeal Abandonment
The Supreme Court rules the Court of Appeals erred in dismissing an automatic death penalty review due to the accused's failure to file a brief.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Tampering Court Records and Concealing Ex Parte Proceedings
Supreme Court dismisses clerk of court for dishonesty after tampering with default orders and concealing ex parte proceedings in a civil case.
Navigating Anti-Graft Laws in Philippine Government Transactions: Good Faith and Due Diligence
Learn how Philippine courts apply good faith and due diligence standards in government asset sales under the Anti-Graft Law.
Correcting Election Errors When Canvassers Reconvene After Proclamation
When can a board of canvassers reconvene to fix tally errors after a winner is proclaimed? The Supreme Court explains.
Unconscionable Attorneys Fees When Philippine Courts Intervene
Philippine courts may reduce contingent attorney's fees that are excessive or unconscionable, even if clients freely signed the fee agreement.
Res Judicata in Property Disputes: How Conclusiveness of Judgment Protects Your Rights
Learn how the doctrine of conclusiveness of judgment prevents endless property litigation and why final court rulings bind parties in later cases.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Dismissal for Dishonesty in the Philippine Judiciary
A sheriff's dismissal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and neglect of duty underscores the high ethical standards demanded of court personnel.
Lost Your Land to Fraud? Understanding the 10-Year Deadline for Reconveyance in the Philippines
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing reconveyance of fraudulently titled land in the Philippines and how courts apply the discovery rule.
Supreme Court: No Waiver of Automatic Review in Death Penalty Cases
The High Court clarifies that death penalty cases undergo mandatory review, and the Court of Appeals cannot dismiss appeals for failure to file briefs.
Telegram Delay Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Liability FOR Communication Service Failures
Philippine Supreme Court rules on telecom liability for delayed telegram delivery, clarifying breach of contract, quasi-delict, and moral damages.
Discretion in Government Bidding: When Courts Can Intervene
The Supreme Court explains the wide discretion of government agencies in bidding awards and the limits of judicial review.
Judicial Ethics and Procedural Rules: Lessons from Coca-Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with procedural rules in certiorari petitions and the importance of judicial ethics in the Philippines.
Dishonesty and Breach of Trust in Handling Court Exhibits: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
What Philippine jurisprudence says about dismissal for dishonesty and breach of trust, and how the Supreme Court treats due process in authorized-cause terminations.
Procedural Compliance in Philippine Courts: Lessons from Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo
Why strict compliance with procedural rules matters in Philippine litigation, as shown in Coca Cola Bottlers v. Cabalo.
Bouncing Checks and Lawyer Discipline: When Professional Ethics Extend Beyond Legal Practice
A lawyer who issues bouncing checks for his corporation can be disciplined. The Supreme Court explains why.