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.
Perpetual Disqualification and Material Misrepresentation in Election Candidacy
The Supreme Court ruled that filing a Certificate of Candidacy while under perpetual disqualification is material misrepresentation, voiding the CoC and making votes stray.
Proving Lost Earnings After Wrongful Death: Testimony Can Suffice, Says Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled that credible testimonial evidence alone can prove a deceased person's income for lost earning capacity damages.
Revival of Judgment: Why It Must Be Filed with the RTC, Not the Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that actions to revive a judgment must be filed with the Regional Trial Court, not the Court of Appeals.
Abandonment Requires Clear Intent Protecting Employees From Unjust Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment of work requires clear intent to sever employment, not mere absence from work.
When an Employer Fails to Provide Work: Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an employer's failure to give work assignments amounts to illegal constructive dismissal, and what workers must prove.
Insanity Plea and Arson: When Killing Is Homicide, Not Murder, in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the limits of the insanity defense, the proof needed for murder, and when arson is a separate crime.
Medical Abandonment in Seafarer Disability Claims: Upholding Treatment Obligations
Filing a disability claim while still under treatment can backfire. The Supreme Court explains medical abandonment in seafarer cases.
Judicial Misconduct When Solemnizing Marriages Goes Wrong
Two judges fined P40,000 each for sham wedding solemnization. Learn the rules on judicial marriage officiation.
Just Compensation and Landowner Rights Beyond DAR Valuation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts, not administrative agencies, have final say on just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as a Ground for Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal and what employers must prove.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.
Constructive Dismissal: Proving Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When do employer actions become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in Borja v. Miñoza.
Surrender of Owner's Duplicate Title: Buyers Cannot Withhold It Indefinitely
Buyers who hold an owner's duplicate title after a partial sale must register promptly; co-owners can compel surrender if registration is unreasonably delayed.
Prior Physical Possession Decides Forcible Entry Cases, Not Ownership Claims
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession matters more than ownership. The Supreme Court explains why in Sambalilo v. Llarenas.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
When a Judge Falls Short: Gross Immorality, Dismissal, and Bar Sanctions
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair, suspending him from law practice for three years.
Protecting Victims: How Family Can Petition for Protection Orders Under the Anti-VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a victim's family can file for protection orders under the Anti-VAWC Law, even after a criminal complaint is dismissed.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence? SC Relaxes Rules in Pontillas Construction Dispute
Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules serve justice, not hinder it, in a case involving counsel's lapses.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Judges and Clerks Held Liable for Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges and court clerks that negligence delays justice. Learn the rules on accountability from a 2017 case.
Agent's Duty to Prioritize Principal's Interests: Lessons from a Carnapped Vehicle Case
When a bank-agent failed to file an insurance claim for a carnapped vehicle and demanded full payment instead, the Supreme Court ruled it breached its fiduciary duty.
Practicing Law While Suspended: No Automatic Return After Suspension Period
A lawyer suspended from practice cannot resume work until the Court formally lifts the suspension — even if the suspension period has already ended.
Psychological Incapacity vs Marital Discord: When Infidelity and Irresponsibility Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that marital discord, infidelity, and irresponsibility do not automatically amount to psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Eyewitness Identification and Treachery: Understanding Criminal Liability in Philippine Homicide Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains when eyewitness identification suffices and why treachery must be proven, not presumed, in Philippine criminal cases.
Notarizing Without the Signatory: When a Lawyer's Carelessness Leads to a Permanent Notarial Ban
A lawyer who notarized a petition while the signatory was abroad was permanently barred from notarial commission. The Supreme Court explains why.