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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Regular vs Project Employee: When Rehiring Without a Fixed Term Creates Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a project employee becomes regular, securing tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Attorneys Must Inform Clients of Adverse Decisions and Avoid Neglect of Legal Matters
A lawyer's failure to inform clients of a case dismissal and to appeal within the reglementary period constitutes neglect under the Code of Professional Responsibility, warranting suspension.
Unlawful Detainer: Proving Prior Possession in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how prior physical possession is proven in unlawful detainer cases, using judicial admissions and documentary evidence.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer amounts to constructive dismissal, balancing management prerogative against tenurial security.
Loss of Trust and Confidence in Dismissing Senior Managers: Due Process Still Matters
Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing senior managers, and what happens when due process is skipped.
Relationship as Qualifying Circumstance in Rape: Why Precise Allegations Matter
The Supreme Court clarifies that "stepfather" and "common-law spouse" are distinct terms in rape cases, and qualifying circumstances must be alleged and proven.
Practicing Law While Suspended: The Quesada Case and Its Consequences
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court's ruling in Valmonte v. Quesada, Jr. explains the penalties.
Contract to Sell Default Extinguishes Buyer's Right to Possess Property
When a buyer defaults in a contract to sell, the buyer loses the right to possess the property. The Supreme Court explains why.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Obligations
What happens when a suspended lawyer continues to practice? The Supreme Court explains the consequences in Valmonte v. Quesada.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: Management Prerogative in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer is a valid exercise of management prerogative and not constructive dismissal.
Disbarment for Falsifying Documents and Violating Notarial Duties
A lawyer who falsified deeds and notarized documents for a deceased person was disbarred, highlighting the sanctity of notarial duties.
Acquittal Due to Chain of Custody Breach: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits drug accused due to fatal chain of custody breaches, reinforcing that strict compliance with Section 21, RA 9165, protects the innocent.
Chain of Custody Failures in Drug Cases: Acquittal of Accused in Buy-Bust Operation
Supreme Court acquits two accused in drug case due to chain of custody violations, emphasizing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Disciplinary Action
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Acquittal in Drug Cases: Why Chain of Custody Compliance Is Non-Negotiable
The Supreme Court acquits drug suspects due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
When Bad Faith in a Franchise Sale Triggers Damages: Arcinue v. Baun
A franchise sold without the franchisor's approval can lead to damages liability. The Supreme Court explains the rules on bad faith, survival of actions, and interest.
Seafarers Disability Claims Clarifying Material Concealment AND THE Third Doctor Rule
When Lawyers File Too Many Cases: Lessons from A.C. No. 9252 on Abusing Court Processes
The Supreme Court warns lawyers against filing endless pleadings and cases, citing abuse of court processes as a violation of professional responsibility.
Transporting Illegal Drugs: The Reach of the Law Extends Beyond the Destination
The Supreme Court clarifies that transporting illegal drugs is a crime even if the destination is never reached.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations in RTC Malaybalay
SC suspends court interpreter for inaccurate Visayan-to-English translations, stressing the heavy responsibility of judicial employees.
Understanding the Consequences of Notarization Errors: A Guide to Notarial Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines court employees for incompetence and inefficiency, and what this means for notarial responsibilities in the Philippines.
Court Interpreter Suspended for Incompetent Translations: A Lesson in Judicial Accountability
The Supreme Court suspended a court interpreter for inefficiency and incompetence in translating testimonies, underscoring the critical role of accurate interpretation in the judiciary.
When Church Governance Prevails: Minister Reassignment and Labor Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pastor's non-reappointment is an ecclesiastical affair beyond labor tribunals' jurisdiction, and why courts respect church autonomy.
Seafarers Disability Claims: The Mandatory Third Doctor Referral and Compensability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim fails for skipping the mandatory third-doctor referral under the POEA-SEC.