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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Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Attorney Suspended for Neglecting Duty of Diligence and Failing to File Appellant's Brief
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and update his address led to dismissal of his client's appeal and a six-month suspension.
Surety Agreements and Solidary Liability: Lessons from a Philippine Loan Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when sureties become liable for corporate loans and why economic crises do not excuse payment.
Redundancy and Management Prerogative: Balancing Business Needs With Employee Rights
The Supreme Court explains when a redundancy dismissal is valid and how management prerogative is balanced with employee protection under Philippine law.
Judges and Lawyers Face Discipline for Extramarital Affairs: The Aranas Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge and suspended him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Disputes: Court of Appeals Has Exclusive Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that petitions questioning PDIC denials of deposit insurance claims must be filed with the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
PDIC Deposit Insurance Denials: Court of Appeals Holds Exclusive Certiorari Jurisdiction
Supreme Court clarifies that PDIC deposit insurance claim denials must be challenged via certiorari before the Court of Appeals, not the RTC.
Official Negligence vs Malice: Delineating Liability in Public Document Falsification
Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's negligence in signing documents amounts to gross neglect, not falsification, in Santidad case.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Possession in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how prior physical possession is proven in unlawful detainer cases, using judicial admissions and documentary evidence.
Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Beyond Labels: How Courts Determine the True Nature of a Complaint
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts look beyond a document's label to determine the true nature of a transaction.
Finality of Medical Assessments: Protecting Seafarers' Right to Full Disability Benefits
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company-designated physician's assessment is final and definitive, protecting seafarers' right to permanent total disability benefits.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Dismissing Senior Managers: Due Process Still Matters
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing senior managers, and what happens when due process is skipped.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, balancing management prerogative against tenurial security.
Contract to Sell Default Extinguishes Buyer's Right to Possess Property
When a buyer defaults in a contract to sell, the buyer loses the right to possess the property. The Supreme Court explains why.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Valmonte v. Quesada.
Practicing Law While Suspended: The Quesada Case and Its Consequences
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court's ruling in Valmonte v. Quesada, Jr. explains the penalties.
Relationship as Qualifying Circumstance in Rape: Why Precise Allegations Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that "stepfather" and "common-law spouse" are distinct terms in rape cases, and qualifying circumstances must be alleged and proven.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Acquittal Due to Chain of Custody Breach: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug accused due to fatal chain of custody breaches, reinforcing that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, protects the innocent.
Acquittal in Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Failures in Drug Cases: Acquittal of Accused in Buy-Bust Operation
Supreme Court acquits two accused in drug case due to chain of custody violations, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarization Errors: A Guide to Notarial Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines court employees for incompetence and inefficiency, and what this means for notarial responsibilities in the Philippines.