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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Accountable Public Officer Failing to Render Accounts: Liability for Cash Advances
Municipal mayors who receive cash advances are accountable officers. Failure to liquidate or return disallowed funds within two months is a crime under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Meets Due Process
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in rendering decisions, explaining the constitutional duty and consequences.
Loss OF Trust Must BE Based ON Clear Facts Employees Right TO DUE Process Prevails
Upholding Ethical Standards Extramarital Affairs AND THE Judiciarys Integrity
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial ethics, holding court personnel accountable for procedural lapses and safeguarding public trust.
Land Dispute Resolution Supreme Court Upholds COSLAP Authority and Emphasizes Judicial Hierarchy
The Supreme Court reinforces the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and res judicata in land disputes involving COSLAP, dismissing a direct petition for certiorari.
Sheriffs Fees Integrity AND Accountability IN Court Processes
VAT Refund Claims: Why Purchase Invoices and Receipts Must Be Submitted
The Supreme Court held that summaries and CPA certifications cannot replace pre-marked purchase invoices and receipts in claims for refund of excess input VAT.
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.
Judicial Clemency: Balancing Integrity and Second Chances in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court grants judicial clemency to Judge Diaz, setting guidelines that balance judicial integrity with opportunities for reformation.
Behest Loans and Prescription: Timelines for Prosecuting Corrupt Practices in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when prescription begins for behest loan cases under RA 3019, and when courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Provocation vs Aggression: Distinguishing Mitigating Circumstances in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's act may not be unlawful aggression for self-defense but can still be sufficient provocation to mitigate homicide.
Builders in Good Faith: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes and Improvement Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rights of builders in good faith when land ownership is disputed, applying Civil Code articles on accession.
Mental Capacity and Employment: Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
When can an employer drop a worker for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and due process requirements.
Finality of Judgments and Due Process in Dropping Government Employees for Mental Incapacity
When can a government employer drop an employee for mental incapacity? The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and due process requirements.
False Claims Real Consequences Falsification OF Public Documents AND THE Erosion OF Public Trust
Learn how Philippine courts treat falsification of public documents and why it erodes public trust in official records.
Mootness in Philippine Law: When Court Intervention Becomes Unnecessary
Learn how Philippine courts handle moot cases and when judicial intervention becomes unnecessary, with practical guidance for litigants.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Delay in Resolving Court Matters
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving a motion, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Ejectment and Sublease Violations: Service of Notices and Counsel of Record Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on ejectment, sublease prohibitions, and why notices must be served on counsel of record in Philippine cases.
Proof Beyond Suspicion: Upholding Due Process in Administrative Dishonesty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative charges like dishonesty require substantial evidence, not mere speculation. Learn the standard of proof.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Finality of DAR Decisions: Balancing Due Process and Timeliness in Agrarian Reform
When do DAR decisions become final? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between due process and the 15-day appeal period in agrarian cases.
Compassionate Justice: When Mitigating Circumstances Reduce Penalties in Attorney Discipline Cases
Explaining how the Supreme Court reduced a lawyer's suspension to a fine by considering mitigating circumstances in disciplinary proceedings.
Notarial Misconduct Lawyers Must Adhere to Geographic Limits of Notarial Commissions
A lawyer who notarizes documents outside his commissioned territory commits malpractice and faces suspension and permanent disqualification from notarial practice.