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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Right of Way Disputes in the Philippines: The Least Prejudicial Rule Explained
Learn how Philippine courts choose the least prejudicial right of way under the Civil Code and the Quimen case.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Treachery in Philippine Criminal Law: Understanding Alevosia and Its Implications
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery (alevosia) in murder cases, using the 1996 Paragua decision as a guide.
Condonation Doctrine: Can Re-Elected Officials Be Disciplined for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether re-election condones prior administrative misconduct of local elective officials.
Upholding Court Authority: Consequences of Disobedience in the Philippine Legal System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial insubordination, contempt of court, and the consequences of defying court orders.
PAL v. Court of Appeals: When Off-Loading Baggage Becomes Bad Faith in Air Carriage
Philippine Airlines held liable for moral and exemplary damages after off-loading passengers' baggage in bad faith, despite Warsaw Convention limits.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Employee Misconduct and Valid Dismissal: Lessons from Flores v. NLRC
When can an employer validly dismiss an employee for misconduct? The Supreme Court's ruling in Flores v. NLRC provides clear guidance.
Age Requirements for Public Office: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court nullified a Jurisconsult's appointment for failing the statutory age requirement, underscoring that eligibility must exist at the time of appointment.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines
Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent, Alibi, and Aggravating Circumstances Explained
A look at People v. Feliciano on robbery with homicide, the weakness of alibi, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Prevention Lessons from a Court Employee's Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling on JDF misappropriation shows why dishonesty in public service leads to dismissal and how to prevent it.
Chattel Mortgage Insurance: When Lenders Must Notify Borrowers of Premium Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on chattel mortgage insurance renewals, lender obligations, and borrower notice requirements in installment payments.
Statutory Rape in the Philippines: Understanding Consent and Penalties
Learn how Philippine courts handle statutory rape cases, from consent rules to penalties, based on a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Jurisdiction Over Overseas Employment Disputes: When Labor Arbiters Have Authority
Explaining the rule that jurisdiction over overseas employment cases is determined by the law at the time of filing, citing Erectors, Inc. v. NLRC.
When Mortgagees May Renew Insurance on Chattel Mortgages: Servicewide Specialists v. Trinidad
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee may renew insurance on a chattel and apply installment payments to premiums without notice.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Workplace Misconduct: When Court Employees Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's misconduct, discourtesy, and threats in the workplace, setting standards for judicial personnel behavior.
Conspiracy and Credibility in Murder Convictions: The Arceño Case
How the Supreme Court affirmed murder convictions based on conspiracy and credible eyewitness testimony in a Philippine military operation gone wrong.
Perfecting Appeals: The Importance of Surety Bonds in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn why posting a surety bond on time is mandatory and jurisdictional in appeals from POEA decisions to the NLRC.