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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Understanding Separation Benefits and Liability Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employee benefits are lawful, who bears liability for unauthorized disbursements, and the limits of board authority.
Understanding Good Faith in Government Contract Disputes When Public Officers Are Excused From Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be excused from liability in government contract disputes involving disallowed disbursements.
Angeles v. COA: Diligence in Handling Government Funds
The Supreme Court cleared a municipal treasurer of liability for payroll money stolen in a violent robbery, ruling that the absence of a security escort is not negligence.
Court Personnel Disbarred for Extorting Litigant Over Court Document
Supreme Court penalizes court interpreter for demanding money to release a litigant's property document, imposing fine and disqualification.
IPRA Jurisdiction Limits: NCIP Authority and Final Judgments in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court clarifies NCIP jurisdiction under IPRA applies only when both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Absence Without Leave Isn't Enough
When is a dismissal illegal despite just cause? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on loss of trust and confidence and due process.
Understanding Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Decision
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific intent is required for child abuse convictions under RA 7610, protecting children from physical maltreatment.
Presumptive Death Under Article 41: Proving a Well-Founded Belief
The Supreme Court clarifies what it takes to prove a well-founded belief of death under Article 41 of the Family Code.
Understanding Accomplice Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes an accomplice rather than a principal in homicide, and how civil liability is apportioned.
Property Ownership and Adverse Possession: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Deeds and Occupation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when occupation ripens into ownership, and why a defective deed cannot transfer property rights.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Understanding COA's Jurisdiction: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and why trial courts cannot interfere.
Court Employee Liability for Unauthorized Pamphlet Distribution: A.M. No. 2019-11-SC
A Supreme Court employee was held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for facilitating unauthorized pamphlet distribution to justices' offices. Learn the rules.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Work Related Conditions Easing Requirements FOR Compensation Claims IN THE Philippines
Learn how recent Supreme Court rulings ease requirements for work-related compensation claims in the Philippines, protecting employee rights.
Chain of Custody and Proof Beyond Doubt in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits an inmate of attempted drug sale, stressing that prosecution must prove every element beyond reasonable doubt.
Unlocking Tax Refunds: How the Supreme Court's Ruling on VAT Compliance Impacts Businesses in the Philippines
A guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on VAT refund claims, tax compliance, and what it means for Philippine businesses.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Understanding Forum Shopping: A Philippine Lawyer's Duty to Avoid Duplicative Suits
The Supreme Court explains forum shopping and res judicata through a lawyer's two-year suspension for filing a duplicative labor case.
Self-Defense and Homicide: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails in homicide cases and the penalties that follow.
Bank Manager Discretion and Personal Liability: Insights from Philippine Banking Law
When can a bank manager be personally liable for losses? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of managerial discretion and solidary liability.
Property Disputes and Compromise Agreements: Lessons from the BASECO Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treated compromise agreements and property rights in a dispute involving the Province of Bataan and sequestered BASECO assets.
Proving Rape With Circumstantial Evidence A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, explaining when such proof suffices beyond reasonable doubt.