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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Fixed-Term Employment in the Philippines: What the Supreme Court Says About Validity and Dismissal
Learn when fixed-term employment contracts are valid in the Philippines, and what the Supreme Court ruled in Tuppil v. LBP Service Corporation.
Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Dampilag Ruling on Impersonation
The Supreme Court affirms that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from service.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: How Gross Immorality Ends a Legal Career in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for bigamous marriage and abetting others' bigamy, explaining gross immorality as a ground for disbarment.
Understanding Vicarious Liability: When Employers Answer for Employee Negligence
A Supreme Court ruling explains when employers are solidarily liable for employee negligence under Philippine law, using a fatal tricycle accident as the key example.
Chain of Custody in Drug Busts: Why Insulating Witnesses Matter
The Supreme Court acquits three accused in a drug bust for broken chain of custody, reiterating the strict rules under Section 21 of RA 9165.
Understanding the Impact of Timely Appeals on Land Registration Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles land registration appeals, the importance of timely filing, and key procedural rules.
Navigating Tax Penalties: Understanding the Supreme Court's Ruling on Late Filing and Surcharges
A clear guide to the Supreme Court's ruling on tax penalties, late filing, and surcharges under Philippine tax law.
Rape Convictions and Victim Testimony: The Sweetheart Defense in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and why the sweetheart defense and alibi fail against clear testimony.
Understanding Conspiracy and Principal by Inducement in Philippine Parricide Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy and principal by inducement in parricide, ruling that a wife's words of command made her equally liable with the killer.
Understanding Negligent Malversation: Protecting Public Funds in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts define negligent malversation of public funds, the elements of the crime, and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Burden of Proof and Contract Limits in Work-Related Illness Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, contract interpretation, and burden of proof for work-related illness claims.
Malicious Prosecution in the Philippines: When Filing Criminal Charges Backfires
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing baseless criminal complaints constitutes malicious prosecution, and what damages may be awarded.
Competitive Bidding Under RA 9184: Supreme Court Affirms Graft Conviction for Skipping Public Bidding
A public official's conviction for violating RA 3019 shows that government procurement of consulting services requires competitive bidding under RA 9184.
Understanding Death Benefits in Seafarer Contracts: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when death benefits are payable under domestic seafarer contracts, and what heirs should do when a contract is silent.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Production Quotas Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when imposing production quotas becomes illegal dismissal, citing bad faith and unattainable targets.
Perjury and Bouncing Checks in the Philippines: What Saulo v. People Teaches
Understand perjury and BP 22 bouncing check liability through the Supreme Court's ruling in Saulo v. People.
Navigating Civil Service Misconduct: Penalties and Mitigating Factors in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on fake civil service eligibility explains when mitigating circumstances can reduce dismissal to suspension.
Direct Bribery in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Mangulabnan v. People
Direct bribery explained through a landmark Supreme Court case: elements of the crime, evidentiary standards, and practical lessons for public officers.
Understanding Grave Misconduct: Illegal Firearm Discharge in the Workplace
A Supreme Court employee was dismissed for firing a gun inside Court premises. Learn the rules on grave misconduct and workplace discipline.
Understanding Bad Faith in Property Encroachment: Rights and Responsibilities
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a builder is in bad faith in property encroachment cases, and what remedies a landowner has under Philippine law.
Sexual Harassment in the Judiciary: When Clemency Has Limits
The Supreme Court denies a dismissed judge's plea for retirement benefits, clarifying the limits of judicial clemency in sexual harassment cases.
Understanding Judicial Clemency and Retirement Benefits for Dismissed Judges in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed judges may receive retirement benefits through judicial clemency, using the Arceo case as a guide.
Regionalizing the Bar Exams: Expanding Access to Legal Practice in the Philippines
The Supreme Court approves Cebu City as a regional Bar exam site, easing access for Visayas and Mindanao candidates.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: When Ownership Transfers in Philippine Real Estate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between contract of sale and contract to sell, and when ownership actually transfers in real estate transactions.