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.
Illegal Dismissal Claims Survive Employee's Death: Heirs May Substitute
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints are imbued with public interest, allowing heirs to substitute deceased complainants.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
Invalid Search Warrants: Protecting Rights Against Unreasonable Seizures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after ruling that a search warrant covering two offenses is void, making seized evidence inadmissible.
Redundancy and Management Prerogative: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights in Terminations
The Supreme Court clarifies when redundancy is a valid ground for dismissal and what employers must prove to avoid illegal dismissal claims.
Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Criminal Cases: Proving Guilt Without Eyewitnesses
How Philippine courts use circumstantial evidence to convict in murder and arson cases, explained through the Camarse ruling.
When Public Funds Meet Personal Expenses: Disallowing Extraordinary Expenses for Water District Officials
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of extraordinary expenses paid to a water district general manager without legal basis under the Salary Standardization Law.
Who Can Appeal an Invalidated Appointment? CSC v. Binay Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies who may appeal a disapproved government appointment and why residency and education requirements matter in local posts.
Residency Requirements for Government Positions: The Binay Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court’s ruling in CSC v. Binay clarifies residency rules for local government appointments and why accuracy in your Personal Data Sheet matters.
Derivative Works and Copyright Ownership in the Philippines: The Tupaz Case
The Tupaz case clarifies Philippine law on derivative works, copyright ownership, and the idea/expression dichotomy in collaborative designs.
Letter of Authority Required When Reassigning Tax Audits: Supreme Court Ruling
Supreme Court nullifies tax assessments where audits were reassigned without a new Letter of Authority. Learn the rules.
When Is a Family Home Exempt from Execution? Key Lessons from Taruc v. Maximo
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family home is exempt from execution and what evidence a judgment debtor must present to claim the exemption.
Reassignment Validity Must Precede Ombudsman Oppression Cases, SC Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CSC must first rule on a reassignment's validity before the Ombudsman can hear an oppression charge.
When Zealous Advocacy Turns Abusive: Disciplining Lawyers for Offensive Language
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between vigorous advocacy and offensive language in pleadings, disciplining a lawyer for intemperate remarks.
Fiscal Autonomy vs Accountability: PhilHealth Benefit Disallowances Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms COA disallowances of PhilHealth benefits, clarifying that fiscal autonomy does not mean absolute power over compensation.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Final CIAC Awards Binding on COA: Supreme Court Limits Audit Body's Review Power
Supreme Court ruling in Sunway Builders v. COA confirms COA cannot modify final CIAC arbitration awards, limiting its role to execution and payment.
Due Process in Tax Assessments: Strict Adherence to Notice Requirements
The Supreme Court nullified a deficiency tax assessment because the BIR issued the Final Assessment Notice before the taxpayer's 15-day period to reply to the Preliminary Assessment Notice lapsed.
Breach of Public Trust When Negligence in Procurement Leads to Graft Conviction
Supreme Court affirms graft conviction of DOH supply officer for gross inexcusable negligence in anomalous drug purchases, clarifying liability under RA 3019.
Judicial Clemency and Reinstatement of Disqualified Public Officials in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when dismissed judges may be reinstated through judicial clemency, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and public apology.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails Investigating Sexual Harassment in Government
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's power to investigate sexual harassment in government, upholding dismissal of NEDA official for grave misconduct.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the NGCP v. Gaite Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine just compensation in eminent domain cases, emphasizing verifiable data over speculative land reclassifications.
Upholding Traffic Regulations: Valid Delegation of Power and Public Safety
The Supreme Court upholds traffic penalty regulations as valid exercises of delegated legislative power and police power for public safety.
Notarial Duties Are Personal: Attorney's Lapses in Recording SPA Lead to Suspension
A lawyer cannot delegate notarial record-keeping to staff. Learn the rules and consequences from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Clemency: When Is a Judge Entitled to a Second Chance?
The Supreme Court explains the strict requirements for judicial clemency, including remorse, reformation, and the five-year waiting period.