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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Independent Contractor vs Employee: Key Differences and Liabilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between independent contractors and employees, and the liabilities that follow.
Upholding Court Authority: Consequences of Disobedience in the Philippine Legal System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial insubordination, contempt of court, and the consequences of defying court orders.
Robbery With Homicide: Intent, Alibi, and Aggravating Circumstances Explained
A look at People v. Feliciano on robbery with homicide, the weakness of alibi, and how aggravating circumstances affect the penalty.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences and Prevention Lessons from a Court Employee's Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling on JDF misappropriation shows why dishonesty in public service leads to dismissal and how to prevent it.
Just Cause Termination for Workplace Fighting: The Royo Case and Due Process in the Philippines
When can an employer fire an employee for fighting? The Royo case clarifies serious misconduct as just cause and the due process required.
Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.
Habitual Tardiness and Absences: Consequences for Government Employees in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine civil service rules penalize habitual tardiness and unauthorized absences, and what the Supreme Court says about accountability.
Validity OF Foreclosure Sales Notice Requirements AND DUE Process IN THE Philippines
Tax Credit Claims and Official Certifications: Lessons from Pareño v. Sandiganbayan
BIR officers cannot be convicted for relying on official certifications when processing tax credit claims absent proof of bad faith or conspiracy.
Navigating Annulment in the Philippines: Due Process, Collusion, and the Role of Legal Counsel
The Tuason case clarifies due process, counsel's negligence, and the state's role in Philippine annulment proceedings.
Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts: The Responsibilities of Court Stenographers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the duties of court stenographers and the consequences of failing to transcribe and transmit notes on time.
Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.
Consequences of Neglecting Fiduciary Duties: A Guide for Philippine Government Officials
Learn how a judge's four-year delay in remitting court funds led to a P20,000 fine for gross neglect of duty.
Mismanaging Judiciary Funds: A Cautionary Tale for Court Personnel
The Supreme Court's ruling in a 1996 administrative case shows the severe consequences of mishandling Judiciary Development Fund collections.
Judicial Efficiency Consequences FOR Judges Delaying Case Resolutions IN THE Philippines
Learn the consequences for judges who delay case resolutions in the Philippines, citing the Supreme Court's ruling on gross inefficiency.
Forced Leave and Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Workers Against Unfair Labor Practices
When indefinite forced leave becomes constructive dismissal. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Bontia v. NLRC and your rights.
State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities
Learn what constitutes illegal dismissal in the Philippines, the twin due process requirements, and the remedies available to employees.
Due Process Rights in Labor Organization Registration: A Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how the Supreme Court protected due process rights in canceling a labor federation's registration, emphasizing the right to be heard.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds, even a small amount, faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer's Burden of Proof and Employee Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protects overseas Filipino workers from illegal dismissal, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof and due process rights.
Judicial Delay Consequences: Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period, as shown in Lopez v. Alon.
Rape Conviction: Penetration and Credibility of Child Witnesses in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that slight penetration suffices for rape and that young victims' testimonies deserve full credence.
Termination of School Administrators: Qualification Standards and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when schools may terminate administrators for lacking qualifications, and the due process required.