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.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Illegal Dismissal: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer-employee relationship and rules on illegal dismissal due to disease in Sy v. Court of Appeals.
Impartiality on the Bench: Overcoming Bias Allegations in Philippine Courts
A notary public's duty to verify signatories personally is sacrosanct. This case explains the consequences of failing that duty.
When Killing a Child Is Treachery: The Ostia Murder Case
Explaining why killing a four-year-old is treachery, and why the Court still reduced the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Just Cause vs Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Rosario Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a valid dismissal cause without procedural due process makes termination ineffectual, not illegal, and orders backwages.
Limits on Complainants' Right to Appeal Dismissal: People v. Velez
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who delay decisions and commit gross ignorance of law.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Child Witness Testimony in Murder Cases: When a Child's Word Can Convict
When can an eight-year-old's testimony convict in murder cases? The Supreme Court explains the rules on child witness credibility.
When a Sheriff Must Pursue All Judgment Debtors: Lessons from Oliveros v. San Jose
A sheriff's duty to enforce a writ extends to all solidary debtors. Learn the lessons from this administrative case.
Barangay Election Substitution After Candidate's Death: The People's Mandate Prevails
Supreme Court allows substitution of deceased barangay election candidates, honoring voter will over technical rules.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Contempt of Court for Re-Entering Property After Execution of Judgment
When a final judgment orders you to vacate property, re-entering it can lead to contempt of court. Learn from this Philippine case.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
Stock Transfer Recording Requirement for Corporate Recognition as Stockholder
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why transfer of shares must be recorded in corporate books before a transferee can compel issuance of stock certificates.
Admission vs Confession: Key Distinctions in Philippine Criminal Evidence
Learn the legal difference between an admission and a confession in Philippine criminal cases, and why it matters for evidence and conviction.
Protecting Seafarers: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Maritime Employment
When can a shipowner dismiss a Filipino seafarer? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause and due process rules for maritime employment.
Protecting the Vulnerable: The Importance of Age Verification in Rape Cases
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction, emphasizing that a minor victim's delayed reporting does not weaken her credible testimony.
Co-Owner's Right of Redemption Does Not Apply to Sales to Another Co-Owner
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when co-owners may redeem property sold to third persons, and when the right does not arise.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: The Bihag v. Era Resolution
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment decisions, citing a lawyer for contempt and ordering execution of the judgment.
Supreme Court on Buy-Bust Operations: Credibility of Police Testimony and Drug Penalties
The Supreme Court affirms death penalties in a drug buy-bust case, explaining the objective test for police testimony and conspiracy.
Clerk of Court's Unauthorized Release Order: A Case of Misconduct
A clerk of court who issued a release order without judicial authority was held liable for misconduct. Learn the limits of court personnel powers.
Duty to Act: Estoppel in Questioning Credit Account Statements
When silence on a credit statement binds a debtor. The Supreme Court explains estoppel, litis pendentia, and the burden of proof.
Electoral Rights vs Public Order: Balancing Presence and Security During Canvassing
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between a candidate's right to be present during canvassing and police security measures.
Eyewitness Testimony, Confessions, and Conspiracy: Lessons from the Payumo Massacre Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in the Payumo Massacre case clarifies the rules on eyewitness credibility, inadmissible confessions, and conspiracy in Philippine criminal law.