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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Absence Without Leave: Upholding Public Service Standards in the Philippine Judiciary
Court personnel who go AWOL face dropping from the rolls. Learn the rules and consequences from a 2019 Supreme Court ruling.
Relief From Accountability: Proving Diligence in Handling Public Funds Despite Loss
When can an accountable officer be relieved from liability for lost public funds? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard of diligence in Callang v. COA.
Territorial Boundaries vs. Resource Sharing: Defining LGUs' Share of National Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may claim a share of national wealth, using the Palawan-Camago-Malampaya dispute as the benchmark case.
Agrarian Reform DAR Jurisdiction Over Land Acquisition Disputes Post June 2014
The Supreme Court clarifies that the DAR retains exclusive jurisdiction over agrarian reform implementation cases pending as of June 30, 2014.
Probationary Employment Standards and Contractual Obligations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies probationary employment rules, contract of adhesion principles, and the need for employee signatures in Philippine labor law.
Contractor's Solidary Liability and Full Payment Defense in Subcontracting Agreements
When can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and the full payment defense.
Diminished Treachery: When Sudden Attacks Do Not Qualify as Murder in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a sudden attack lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide, and explains self-defense standards.
CLOA Cancellation and Indefeasibility of Titles in Agrarian Reform Cases
When can a Certificate of Land Ownership Award be cancelled? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of DAR jurisdiction and the indefeasibility of agrarian titles.
Rectifying Dispositive Errors Ensuring Restitution IN Legal Malpractice Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when insurers may rescind for concealment versus false representation, and the evidentiary standards for fraud.
Calendar Days vs. Working Days: How Suspensions Are Counted for Philippine Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspensions for government employees are served in calendar days, including weekends and holidays, not working days.
Attorney's Dishonored Checks and Evasion Lead to Two-Year Suspension
A lawyer who issued worthless checks and evaded arrest was suspended for two years, reaffirming the high standards of honesty required of the bar.
Reorganization in Bad Faith: Protecting Security of Tenure in Government Service
When government reorganizations target employees in bad faith, security of tenure still protects them. Learn the legal standard.
Burden of Proof in Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on negligence, quasi-delict liability, and evidentiary standards in a vehicular accident insurance subrogation case.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Ethical Boundaries in Attorney Representation Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for representing conflicting interests, committing forum shopping, and neglecting clients.
Constructive Dismissal: When Hostile Management Conduct Forces an Employee to Quit
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies constructive dismissal standards in Diwa Asia Publishing v. De Leon, detailing when unbearable work conditions constitute illegal termination.
Defining Probable Cause in Philippine Plunder Cases: Estrada v. Office of the Ombudsman
The Supreme Court explains the standard for probable cause in plunder cases and why courts defer to the Ombudsman's findings.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: How Courts Fix Fair Market Value
Philippine Supreme Court explains how courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, including the standards and interest rules.
Plunder, Bail, and Preliminary Attachment: Key Rulings from the Revilla Case
The Supreme Court clarifies bail standards, conspiracy liability, and preliminary attachment in plunder cases under RA 7080.
Voice Recognition as Valid Identification in Rape Cases: Protecting Victims and Ensuring Justice
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on voice identification, clarifying force, intimidation, and victim credibility standards.
Histrionic Personality Disorder as Ground for Nullity: Understanding Marital Obligations and Psychological Inc
The Supreme Court affirms that histrionic personality disorder can be psychological incapacity under Article 36, explaining the standards for declaring a marriage void.
Fair Wage Standards for Bus Drivers Upheld: PBOAP v. DOLE Explained
The Supreme Court upheld DOLE Order No. 118-12 requiring part-fixed wages for bus drivers, ruling it a valid exercise of police power.
Ethical Boundaries: Upholding Respect and Dignity in Legal Advocacy
The Supreme Court reminds lawyers that even forceful arguments must remain respectful, citing Rule 8.01 of the CPR.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Integrity of Evidence and the Reasonable Doubt Standard
Why failure to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules and conflicting police testimony led to acquittal in a drug sale case.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, upholding a buy-bust conviction under RA 9165.