法律洞察

Court Employee Disciplined for Improper Fee Demands and Unprofessional Behavior

Supreme Court suspends a clerk of court for demanding unauthorized fees and acting unprofessionally toward a litigant seeking court documents.

Moral Damages for Illegal Suspension: Bad Faith and Due Process in Philippine Labor Law

Philippine Airlines v. Montinola: illegally suspended employees can recover moral and exemplary damages when the employer acts in bad faith or denies due process.

Just Compensation for Expropriated Property: Value at Taking, Not Later Filing

Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for expropriated property is based on value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages case.

Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Value Is Fixed at the Time of Taking

Explains the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation in expropriation is based on property value at the time of taking, not at filing of a later damages suit.

Written Stipulation Is Key: Enforceability of Loan Interest Agreements in the Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest applies versus 6% in construction disputes, emphasizing written stipulations.

Rape Conviction Based on Circumstantial Evidence: What the Supreme Court Said

The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence is enough to convict for rape, even if the victim was unconscious during the act.

Attorneys Fees and Ethical Boundaries: When Interest Stipulations Fail in Philippine Loan Contracts

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on written interest stipulations, unconscionable rates, and borrower protections under Civil Code Article 1956.

Closure Due to Losses: Employer's Duty and Employee Rights in Termination Cases

Understand the rules on closure due to business losses, including employer obligations and employee rights in termination cases.

Closure Due to Losses: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations in the Philippines

Understand the rules on business closure due to losses in the Philippines—what employees are entitled to and what employers must do.

Dismissal Without Prejudice and Just Compensation: When Court Deference Prevails in Attorney Conduct Cases

When an expropriation case is dismissed without prejudice, just compensation must still be based on the property's value at the time of taking, not at the filing of a later damages suit.

Malicious Prosecution Establishing BAD Faith IN Filing Baseless Lawsuits

Unfair Competition Copying and Employee Recruitment As Unjust Business Practices

When does copying a rival's products and hiring its employees become unfair competition under Philippine law? The Supreme Court explains.

Navigating Seafarer Disability Claims THE Importance OF THE Company Designated Doctors Assessment

Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Service Contracts

When does a worker become regular despite project-based contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure.

Freedom of Speech vs Fair Elections: Balancing Airtime Limits in Political Ads

Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC's aggregate airtime limits for political ads, balancing free speech and fair elections.

Grade Tampering as Serious Misconduct: Lessons from the Letran Teacher Dismissal Case

When a teacher altered student grades, the Supreme Court ruled it was serious misconduct justifying dismissal under the Labor Code.

Dismissal of Administrative Charges Against Judge Madrona: Errors in Judicial Functions Are Not Grounds for Di

The Supreme Court dismissed administrative charges against Judge Madrona, ruling that errors in judicial functions are correctible through appeal, not discipline.

Upholding THE Integrity OF Drug Evidence Chain OF Custody AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Illegal Sale Cases

Tax Exemption and Franchise Rights: Philippine Airlines' Victory on Excise Taxes

The Supreme Court affirms PAL's excise tax exemption on commissary imports under PD 1590, explaining franchise tax rules.

Divorce Recognition in the Philippines: What Ando v. DFA Means for Remarriage and Passport Issuance

The Supreme Court clarifies when a foreign divorce is recognized in the Philippines and what a Filipino spouse must prove before remarrying.

Good Faith and Land Titles: When Forged Deeds Void Property Ownership

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, good faith buyers, and why Torrens titles from fraudulent sales can be cancelled.

Voting Rights of Sequestered Shares: Balancing Government Oversight and Corporate Governance

The Supreme Court clarifies the voting rights of sequestered shares under the Presidential Commission on Good Government's oversight.

Rape and Consent: How the Sweetheart Defense Fails Against Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Philippine Supreme Court explains why the sweetheart defense cannot defeat a rape conviction when the victim's testimony proves force and intimidation.

Kidnapping for Ransom: Supreme Court Affirms Conviction and Apportions Liability Between Principal and Accompl

The Supreme Court clarifies the line between principal and accomplice in kidnapping for ransom, and how damages are shared.