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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Presidential Approval and Legal Compliance in Corporate Incentives: PSALM v. COA
Learn from PSALM v. COA why presidential approval is mandatory for GOCC incentives and how bad faith affects liability for disallowed benefits.
Understanding Lawyer Negligence and Its Consequences: Insights From a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's failure to attend hearings amounts to negligence, and why clients cannot simply withdraw disciplinary cases.
COLA Integration Into Government Salaries: What the Lumauan Ruling Means
The Supreme Court explains when cost of living allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries and who must refund disallowed payments.
Why Forensic Testing Matters in Drug Paraphernalia Cases: The Cuico Ruling
The Supreme Court acquits a woman convicted of drug paraphernalia possession because police failed to submit seized items for forensic examination.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing Money From Client: Ethical Lessons
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who borrowed money from a client using a forged title. Learn the ethical rules.
When Lawyers Borrow From Clients: Disbarment for Gross Misconduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a lawyer who borrows money from a client and uses a forged title as collateral faces disbarment for gross misconduct.
Understanding Employee Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Key Lessons from Paez v. MARELCO
A look at when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissal, and when it does not, based on a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Ensuring Election Integrity: The Role of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of the VVPAT requirement, digital signatures, and the prohibition on capturing devices in Philippine elections.
Understanding Treachery and Conspiracy in Murder Cases: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A look at how the Supreme Court applied treachery and conspiracy doctrines in a murder conviction, and what this means for criminal cases.
Navigating Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Understanding the Legal Path to Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how seafarers can claim total disability benefits when illness manifests after their contract ends.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing from Client and Using Fake Title as Collateral
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for gross misconduct: borrowing from client, presenting forged title, and issuing worthless checks.
Understanding Self Defense and Treachery in Philippine Homicide Cases: Key Insights From a Landmark Ruling
A landmark ruling explains how Philippine courts distinguish treachery from self defense in murder cases, and why alibi rarely prevails.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leaves a Client in the Dark: Lessons from Quitazol v. Capela
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that neglecting a client's case is inexcusable negligence, even if the client later withdraws the complaint.
Lawyer Disbarred for Borrowing From Client and Using Fake Title
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a lawyer's loan from a client, fake title, and bounced check led to disbarment.
Service of Summons and Due Process: A Philippine Property Dispute Lesson
The Supreme Court nullified a property ruling because summons was served at the wrong address, violating due process. Learn the rules.
Understanding the Limits of Government Agency Compensation: The Lumauan vs COA Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government employees must return disallowed allowances, explaining the rules on COLA integration and liability.
Navigating Liability in Government Housing Loan Disbursements: Insights from a Landmark COA Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court rules on COA disallowances, good faith defenses, and liability for government employees who received disallowed benefits.
Illegal Dismissal for Dishonesty in the Philippines: When Termination Is Not Justified
When can an employee be fired for dishonesty? The Supreme Court explains the limits of termination for loss of trust and confidence.
Undue Delay in Case Decisions: A Judge's Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court holds a retired judge liable for undue delay in deciding cases, underscoring the mandatory 90-day period and its consequences.
Understanding Treachery and Alibi in Philippine Murder Cases: A Deep Dive into Legal Standards and Evidence
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery, conspiracy, and alibi in murder cases, affirming convictions based on credible eyewitness testimony.
Understanding THE Admissibility OF Evidence IN Vehicular Accident Claims A Comprehensive Guide
Procurement Integrity Lessons from a Landmark Ruling on Misconduct and Due Diligence
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee's concealment during an investigation justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Tax-Free Exchanges and Capital Gains Tax: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a tax-free exchange followed by a share sale is subject to capital gains tax, not income tax.
Notarizing With an Expired Commission: A Cautionary Tale for Legal Practitioners
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for notarizing with an expired commission. Learn the rules, the ruling, and the practical takeaways.