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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Establishing Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Illegal Dismissal Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why proving employer-employee relationship is essential before an illegal dismissal case can prosper.
When Can a Municipal Trial Court Hear Your Case: Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction Limits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to serve demand to vacate deprives MTCC of jurisdiction over unlawful detainer cases.
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.
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Can the Government Prosecute?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the government can file tax evasion charges and when a final tax assessment must come first.
Fire Insurance Premiums: When Partial Payment Is Not Enough in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether partial premium payment makes a fire insurance policy valid and binding.
Condonation Doctrine: Can Re-Elected Officials Be Disciplined for Prior Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether re-election condones prior administrative misconduct of local elective officials.
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.
Workplace Violence and Employee Misconduct: When Can You Be Dismissed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when fighting in the workplace and a history of misconduct justify dismissal of an employee.
Falsification of Public Documents: Understanding Intent and Presumptions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on falsification of public documents, explaining the presumption of authorship when one possesses and uses forged titles.
Age Requirements for Public Office: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court nullified a Jurisconsult's appointment for failing the statutory age requirement, underscoring that eligibility must exist at the time of appointment.
Deducting Bad Debts in the Philippines: Proving Worthlessness for Tax Purposes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for deducting bad debts for tax purposes, emphasizing documentary proof of worthlessness.
When Mortgagees May Renew Insurance on Chattel Mortgages: Servicewide Specialists v. Trinidad
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a mortgagee may renew insurance on a chattel and apply installment payments to premiums without notice.
Chattel Mortgage Insurance: When Lenders Must Notify Borrowers of Premium Payments
Philippine Supreme Court rules on chattel mortgage insurance renewals, lender obligations, and borrower notice requirements in installment payments.
Sheriff Misconduct: Abuse of Authority and Legal Ethics in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for grave abuse of authority and extortion in enforcing writ of attachment, reaffirming strict ethical standards for court officers.
Understanding Legal Redemption: Protecting Co-Owners' Rights in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies co-owners' legal redemption rights, written notice requirements, and timely exercise under Civil Code Articles 1619-1623.
Workplace Misconduct: When Court Employees Cross the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriff's misconduct, discourtesy, and threats in the workplace, setting standards for judicial personnel behavior.
Buy-Bust Operations and Illegal Firearm Possession: Key Rules from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn the legal rules on buy-bust operations, warrantless arrests, and illegal firearm possession from a landmark Philippine Supreme Court decision.
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.
Unilateral Interest Rate Hikes When Banks Overstep Their Bounds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates, and the limits of escalation clauses.
Res Judicata in Land Cases: When a Prior Denial Does Not Bar a New Claim
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior land registration denial bars a new claim, and when changed legal bases allow a fresh application.
Illegal Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Labor Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, constructive dismissal, and employee rights in labor disputes explained in plain language.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Who Must Prove What
Learn who bears the burden of proof in labor cases—especially on payment of wages and employer-employee relationship—from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Highway Robbery vs Simple Robbery: Distinguishing the Elements and Penalties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a robbery on a highway is highway robbery under P.D. 532, and when it is only simple robbery.
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.