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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Reinstatement and Length of Service: Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When illegally dismissed employees return to work, does their service clock reset? The Supreme Court clarifies the reckoning point for length of service.
Finality of CIAC Awards: Supreme Court Upholds Arbitration in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court reaffirms that CIAC arbitral awards are final and binding, reviewable only on pure questions of law, not factual findings.
Regular vs Project Employment: Key Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between regular and project employees in the construction industry, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof.
Attorney-Client Trust: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling on Lawyer Misconduct
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer misconduct clarifies candor duties, attorney's fees, and the penalties for unethical conduct.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
Redundancy and Union Busting Claims: What Aboitiz v. Unions Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court upholds a valid redundancy program and clarifies what evidence is needed to prove union busting as unfair labor practice.
Administrative Misconduct, Transparency, and Due Process in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officers may be liable for simple misconduct, emphasizing transparency, due process, and the importance of sworn evidence in administrative cases.
Navigating Seafarers Rights Understanding Work Related Illnesses AND Disability Compensation IN the Philippine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's pre-existing condition becomes a compensable work-related illness under the POEA-SEC.
Balancing Speedy Trial Rights With the State's Right to Prosecute: Castañeda v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for delayed prosecution violates double jeopardy and the limits of the right to speedy trial.
Understanding Double Jeopardy Insights From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal of a criminal case does not trigger double jeopardy, using the Anti-Hazing Law case of Castañeda v. People.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal in OFW Rape and Harassment Cases: Insights from the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal for OFWs facing sexual harassment and abuse, emphasizing totality of evidence over waivers.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Agrarian Reform Disputes: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction over agrarian reform disputes in Land Bank v. Heirs of Divinagracia, a key Philippine property law case.
Protecting Seafarers From Sexual Harassment and the Right to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of an OFW household worker who faced sexual harassment and maltreatment abroad.
Family Employment and Public Office: Understanding RA 3019 Violations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when hiring a spouse in a private firm with pending official business violates the Anti-Graft law.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Seizure Cases: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police breached chain of custody rules, reaffirming that procedural lapses can destroy a case.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Key Insights from a Recent Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder, the need for specific allegations in an Information, and proper damages awards.
The Best Evidence Rule in Disciplinary Proceedings: Lessons from Basagan v. Espina
A disbarment complaint fails when complainants submit only photocopies. The Supreme Court explains why the Best Evidence Rule applies to lawyer discipline cases.
The Critical Role of Notarization in Property Transactions: Lessons From a Philippine Supreme Court Case
A notary public who notarized a deed of sale involving parties who had long been dead was suspended and perpetually disqualified. Here's why notarization matters.
Public Bidding Violations and Accountability: Lessons from the QUEDANCOR Swine Program Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government credit programs fall outside RA 9184's procurement rules, and how administrative liability attaches.
When Does Government Bidding Apply to Credit Programs? A Procurement Law Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies that government procurement rules do not apply to credit programs where the agency merely facilitates loans, not purchases.
Eyewitness Testimony in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Supreme Court Jurisprudence
Learn how Philippine courts weigh eyewitness testimony in murder cases, from credibility rules to appellate review standards.
Foreign Bank Foreclosures in the Philippines: Lessons from Parcon-Song v. Parcon
A 2020 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when foreign banks may foreclose on Philippine property and why the timing of the foreclosure matters.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Estoppel and the OIC's Power to Issue Formal Charges
When can an employee challenge a defective formal charge? The Supreme Court explains estoppel, due process, and OIC authority in administrative cases.
Property Rights in Cohabitation: Actual Contributions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in adulterous cohabitation, only actual joint contributions create co-ownership of property.