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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Vicarious Liability: Choosing Between Criminal and Civil Actions in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employer can be held liable for employee negligence and the rule against double recovery.
Presumption of Guilt for Possession of Stolen Vehicle: The Duty to Explain
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how possessing a stolen vehicle creates a presumption of guilt and the accused's duty to explain.
When Heirs Disagree: Judicial Partition Over Administration of an Estate
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may convert estate administration proceedings into judicial partition among heirs.
Ethical Conduct Dismissal for Misconduct Stands Despite Complainant's Forgiveness
Philippine Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against court employees continue despite complainant's forgiveness or withdrawal, upholding dismissal for grave misconduct.
Credibility in Rape Cases: Victim Testimony and Prior Abuse Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on rape conviction, victim credibility, and prior sexual abuse as evidence.
Heir Disputes: When Courts Can Order Partition Instead of Estate Administration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when heirs may partition an estate without full administration proceedings, and when courts may convert petitions.
Regular vs Project Employee: Continuous Rehiring and Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when project employees become regular employees through continuous rehiring, securing tenure under Article 280.
Forcible Abduction vs Rape: Distinguishing Intent and Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on People v. Abalde clarifies statutory rape, force, intimidation, and evidence standards in sexual assault cases.
VAT on Services: When "Trade or Business" Does Not Require Profit Motive
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that VAT applies to services rendered for a fee even without profit motive. Learn the rules.
Robbery With Homicide: Proving Conspiracy and Liability of All Participants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua when no aggravating circumstances exist.
Docket Fees and the Right to Amend: Balancing Access to Justice in Patent Infringement Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on docket fees, amendments to complaints, and equitable access to justice in patent cases.
Hearsay Evidence and the Right to Confrontation: Protecting the Accused
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on hearsay evidence, the right to confront witnesses, and why prosecutions must stand on solid proof.
Attorney Suspended Six Months for Deceitful Loan Practices with Client
A lawyer who facilitated a fraudulent loan for his clients was suspended for six months. Learn the ethical rules and lessons from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
CBA Extension Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contractual Terms
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA extension beyond stipulated term and benefits for employees hired after expiration.
Court Stenographers' Duty to Transcribe Notes: A Lesson in Timely Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on stenographers' duty to transcribe notes within 20 days, and accountability for delays in justice.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
Illegal Lumber Possession: Why Correct Forest Product Documents Matter
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal lumber possession clarifies why Certificates of Lumber Origin, not Timber Origin, are required and the penalties involved.
Due Process Denied: The Importance of Hearing Notices in Default Orders Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders without hearing notices, and the duty of clerks of court in safeguarding due process.
Interpleader Actions: Procedure, Jurisdiction, and the Proper Remedy for Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies interpleader procedure, jurisdiction, and why dismissal orders must be appealed, not challenged via certiorari.
Pacto de Retro Sale: Consolidation of Ownership and the Judicial Order Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a judicial order is needed to consolidate ownership in a pacto de retro sale, and when it is not.
Reckless Imprudence in Vehicular Accidents: Negligence and Penalty Rules
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence in vehicular accidents, explaining negligence standards, proximate cause, and penalty imposition under Article 365.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal for Conduct Unbecoming a Judge
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a judge's dismissal of criminal cases constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Malicious Prosecution in Philippine Law: Probable Cause and Malice Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a failed criminal complaint becomes malicious prosecution, requiring proof of lack of probable cause and sinister motive.