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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Breach of Trust in Banking: Proving Employee Misconduct for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for dismissing managerial employees.
Reinstatement of Criminal Cases: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural compliance in appeals, balancing strict rules against substantial justice in criminal case reinstatement.
CBA Separation Pay for Voluntary Resignation: When Contractual Stipulations Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a CBA can grant separation pay to voluntarily resigning employees, even if the Labor Code does not require it.
No Damages for Accused: Criminal Courts Cannot Award Damages to the Accused in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal courts cannot award damages to the accused in criminal cases, reversing libel conviction.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Fairness in Certiorari Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of curative procedural rules for certiorari filings under Rule 65.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: Clarifying Rights and Remedies in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that any co-owner may file ejectment against occupants by mere tolerance, even before partition.
Default Judgments: Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a defendant's voluntary appearance in court cures defective summons, preventing later challenges to default judgments.
Express Trusts Upholding Beneficiaries Rights Despite Fictitious Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on express trusts, beneficiaries' rights, and fictitious sales of property.
Future Inheritance vs Present Rights: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on partition inter vivos, future inheritance, and validity of property transfers among heirs.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Strikes at Sea: Balancing Seafarer Rights and Disciplinary Procedures in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer dismissal for joining a strike, emphasizing due process in maritime disciplinary procedures.
Retirement Pay Disputes: Reconciling Vouchers and Clearances in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on separation pay for validly dismissed employees, balancing social justice with employer trust and confidence standards.
Judicial Discretion in Issuing Arrest Warrants: Balancing Rights and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges have sound discretion in issuing arrest warrants, not a ministerial duty, in Sesbreño v. Judge Aglugub.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Contributory Negligence in Vehicle Accidents: How It Affects Damage Awards
Philippine Supreme Court explains how contributory negligence reduces damage awards in vehicle accidents, using the Lambert v. Heirs of Castillon case.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.
Sheriffs Duty Execution Of Writs And Limits Of Discretion In Philippine Law
Explaining the limits of a sheriff's discretion when executing writs, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on ministerial duties.
Upholding Legal Ethics: A Lawyer's Duty of Candor and Fidelity in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers' duty of candor, fidelity, and accountability in property transactions and legal representation.