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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Habitual Tardiness in the Workplace: When Excuses Don't Excuse Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness, pregnancy as an excuse, and penalties under Civil Service rules.
Regular vs Project Employees: SSS Coverage and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that project employees are still covered by compulsory SSS, and employers must remit contributions regardless of tenure.
Upholding Notarial Duties Accuracy and Diligence in Legal Documentation
A lawyer-notary's failure to observe notarial formalities draws administrative sanctions, even without deceit. Learn the mandatory rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
Upholding Work Ethic Consequences for Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness in public service, penalties, and why family excuses don't excuse chronic lateness.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how valid termination works under labor law.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Tenancy vs Tolerance: Who Has Jurisdiction in Land Disputes?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land dispute is an agrarian case for DARAB or an ejectment case for regular courts.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Tax Exemptions for Export Zones: Balancing Investment Incentives and Revenue Collection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax exemptions for export zone enterprises under PD 66, clarifying refund rights for customs duties on supplies.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining the Boundaries of Excusable Lateness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that health and traffic issues do not excuse habitual tardiness in government service.