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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When Absence Doesnt Mean Abandonment Protecting Employee Rights Against Unsubstantiated Dismissals
The Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment requires clear intent, not mere absence, and employers must prove both elements.
Duress in Elections: Balancing Electoral Duties and Personal Safety Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when duress excuses election officers from administrative liability—and when it does not.
Neglect of Duty: Reliance on Subordinates Does Not Excuse Lack of Due Diligence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on managerial employees, loss of trust and confidence, and dismissal for breach of security protocols.
The High Bar for Psychological Incapacity: Marital Infidelity Alone Is Insufficient for Annulment in the Phili
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity alone does not prove psychological incapacity for annulment under Article 36 of the Family Code.
LOLANE vs ORLANE: When Trademark Similarity Does Not Mean Confusion
The Supreme Court explains when two trademarks are too similar, and when they are not, in this Philippine trademark case.
Beyond Words: The Limits of Free Speech in Workplace Dismissal Cases
When does an employee's insulting remark justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between serious misconduct and a momentary lapse.
Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Parental Rape: Erosion of Trust in People v. Mayola
Father convicted of qualified rape: moral ascendancy substitutes for force, delay in reporting does not negate the crime.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
Breach of Contract Alone Does Not Justify Compensatory Damages: Pryce Properties v. Octobre
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract warrants compensatory damages versus nominal damages, and when attorney's fees may be recovered.
Breach of Contract and Damages: When Is a Party Entitled to Monetary Relief
The Supreme Court clarifies that a breach of contract does not automatically entitle the injured party to compensatory damages without proof of actual pecuniary loss.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Oversight: Striking the Balance in PHIC
The Supreme Court clarifies that PHIC's fiscal autonomy does not exempt it from COA oversight and compensation standards.
Abandonment Alone Insufficient Psychological Incapacity IN Philippine marriage LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.
Conditional Employment Offers and When No Employer-Employee Relationship Exists
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional job offer, subject to background checks, does not create an employer-employee relationship.
Eminent Domain and Execution Pending Appeal: Safeguarding Government Funds
Supreme Court rules discretionary execution pending appeal does not apply to eminent domain proceedings, protecting government funds from garnishment.
SALN Misdeclaration and the Good Faith Defense in Administrative Cases
When does a flawed SALN become dishonesty? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith defense for public officials.
Novation Requires Clear Release of Original Debtor: Lessons from Ever Electrical v. PBCOM
When does a new debtor's assumption of a loan release the original borrower? The Supreme Court explains novation rules.
Corporate Liability When a School President's Actions Bind the Institution
When does a school president's act bind the corporation? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and corporate liability in Georg v. Holy Trinity College.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: When a Valid Dismissal Still Costs the Employer
A valid dismissal for just cause does not erase the employer's duty to observe procedural due process. The Supreme Court explains the two-notice rule and nominal damages.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Does Refusal TO Prosecute Amount TO Grave Abuse
Upholding Drug Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody and Section 21 Compliance
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, explaining when procedural non-compliance does not affect guilt.