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.
Just Cause vs. Authorized Cause: The Two Legal Ways to Terminate an Employee
Understand the difference between just cause and authorized cause for employee termination in the Philippines under the Labor Code.
Adoption in the Philippines: Procedure and Requirements Under RA 11642
Learn the domestic adoption procedure in the Philippines under RA 11642, including requirements, who may adopt, and the role of the NACC.
Child Custody in the Philippines: Who Gets Custody and How Courts Decide
Learn the rules for child custody in the Philippines, how courts decide who gets custody, and what factors matter most.
Passion and Obfuscation in Parricide: The Singcol Case and Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court in People v. Singcol clarifies self-defense limits, passion and obfuscation as a mitigating circumstance, and treachery in murder.
When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Judge for Gross Neglect of Duty
A Philippine judge was fined PHP 185,003 for delaying decisions and violating rules on video conferencing hearings. Here's what this means for judicial accountability.
When Lawyers Fail Clients: The Sore-Romano Disbarment Case Explained
A lawyer suspended five years for negligence, dishonesty, and IBP defiance—what this means for clients and the legal profession.
Upholding Moral Standards: Dismissal for Gross Immorality in the Judiciary
Court personnel face dismissal for gross immorality, even in private life, as the Supreme Court reaffirms exacting ethical standards.
Defective Information in VAWC Cases: When Lack of Specificity Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a VAWC accused because the Information failed to allege mental or emotional anguish, a crucial element under Section 5(i) of RA 9262.
Mandamus and Retirement Benefits: How Government Employees Can Enforce Their Rights
Learn how mandamus can compel government agencies to release delayed retirement benefits, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Marital Infidelity and Psychological Violence: Understanding RA 9262
The Supreme Court clarifies when marital infidelity becomes psychological violence under RA 9262, and whether a psychological report is required for conviction.
Sheriff's Duty of Care: When Neglect in Execution Leads to Dismissal
A sheriff's deviation from Rule 39 execution procedure constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting dismissal when aggravated by prior offenses.
Lawyer Negligence and Client Funds: Supreme Court Suspends Attorney for Two Years
A lawyer who neglects a client's case, ignores demands for updates, and keeps client funds faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Serious Misconduct and Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: What Employers Must Prove
Philippine law requires wrongful intent, not just a mistake, to dismiss an employee for serious misconduct. Learn what employers must prove.
Sheriff's Duty in Writ Execution: Avoiding Neglect and Misconduct
A sheriff who delays writ execution and receives litigant money faces administrative liability, as shown in this 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity: Abandonment and Absence as Evidence in Philippine Marriage Nullity Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that decades of unjustified absence from the marital home can be considered part of the totality of evidence of psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code
When Courts Can Still Discipline a Judge After Retirement: Gross Neglect of Duty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when it retains jurisdiction over judges who retire, ruling on gross neglect of duty in case delays.
Navigating Government Procurement: Avoiding Misconduct and Neglect of Duty
A look at how the Supreme Court distinguished simple misconduct from gross neglect of duty in a flawed government procurement case.
When Judges Overstep Authority: Due Process in Execution Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies judicial authority in execution proceedings, dismissing administrative charges against a judge while reminding litigants of proper remedies.
Undue Delay in Court: When a Judge Is Liable and What the Consequences Are
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's delay in resolving motions becomes administrative liability, and the penalties under the amended Rule 140.
Shariah Court Misconduct: Administrative Liability After Retirement Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court held a retired Shariah judge and clerk liable for neglect and prejudicial conduct under Rule 140.
Economic Abuse Under RA 9262: Intent Matters in Denial of Financial Support Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that willful intent to cause anguish, not mere financial hardship, is required for economic abuse convictions under RA 9262.
Attorney Negligence and Disbarment: Upholding Legal Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross negligence and deceit, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence.
Mandamus and Inordinate Delay in Government Investigations: Key Lessons from Baquirin v. Dela Rosa
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel government investigation of alleged extrajudicial killings, and why standing and hierarchy of courts matter.
Attorney Disbarment When Dishonesty AND Neglect Lead TO Loss OF Legal License
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Lorenzo Gadon for profane, misogynistic language against a journalist, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold dignity in public and private life.