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.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.
CBA-Protected Benefits: When Management Prerogative Cannot Override the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Philippine Bank of Communications v. PBCOMEA: benefits written into a CBA cannot be unilaterally changed by management without union participation.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Final Judgment Immutability: Why an Order of Execution Cannot Be Appealed
The Supreme Court clarifies that orders of execution are not appealable, upholding the immutability of final judgments in ejectment cases.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: When means more than just basic salary. This decision strengthens the law's prot
## What the Law Says About Economic Abuse RA 9262 defines economic abuse as acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially dependent. These include withh
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Terminate a Managerial Employee in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains the rules on dismissing managerial employees for loss of trust and confidence, and when belated reporting justifies termination.
Libel Venue in the Philippines: Where Can a Public Official File a Case?
Learn the rules on libel venue for public officials under the Revised Penal Code, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Conflict of Interest and Public Funds: When Cooperative Membership Does Not Equal Graft
Supreme Court clarifies that mere cooperative membership or past affiliation does not prove graft under the Anti-Graft Law.
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
Constructive Dismissal and Contract Ambiguity: Lessons from Esico v. Alphaland
The Supreme Court's ruling in Esico v. Alphaland clarifies constructive dismissal claims and the consequences of ambiguous employment contracts.
Protecting the Environment: The Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Impact Assessments
The Supreme Court explains how the writ of kalikasan protects the right to a balanced ecology and why Environmental Impact Statements are crucial.
Writ of Kalikasan and Environmental Permits: PTK2 H2O Corp. v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court affirms the writ of kalikasan, applying the precautionary principle and upholding the revocation of water permits and ECCs issued without proper environmental assessment.
How Permanent Protection Orders Affect Spousal and Child Support in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how permanent protection orders under RA 9262 affect spousal and child support, even after marriage nullity.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Fair Value for Delayed Government Takings
When the government delays payment in expropriation, landowners are entitled to more than the property's old value—here's why.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Seafarers' Rights: Defining Maximum Medical Improvement in Disability Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that "maximum medical improvement" alone is not a valid disability assessment, entitling seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
Constructive Dismissal vs. Just Cause Termination: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that constructive dismissal and just cause termination are incompatible, reinforcing due process and security of tenure.
Upholding Agrarian Reform: Supervening CLOA Justifies Deviation from Immutability of Judgment
When a final judgment becomes inequitable due to a supervening event like a CLOA issuance, courts may relax the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Theft vs. Estafa in the Philippines: Key Distinctions and the Horca Case
Theft and estafa differ in possession and deceit. The Horca ruling shows why the distinction matters and how acquittal can still leave civil liability.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.