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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Res Ipsa Loquitur in Bus Accidents: When Negligence Is Implied Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court applies res ipsa loquitur in a bus-motorcycle collision, explaining when negligence is presumed and employers are liable.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Power: Who Decides on Water Governance
Supreme Court ruling on who appoints water district boards when cities fail the 75% threshold, balancing local autonomy against centralized control.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Court Clerk's Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty
The Supreme Court dismissed a Shari'a District Court clerk of court for dishonesty, gross neglect of duty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds.
PDAF Scam: Hearsay Evidence and Probable Cause in Plunder Cases
The Supreme Court upholds the Ombudsman's probable cause findings in the PDAF scam cases, clarifying that hearsay evidence can establish probable cause.
Local Autonomy vs Centralized Control: Who Appoints Metro Cebu Water District Directors
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Cebu City Mayor or the Provincial Governor appoints MCWD board members under P.D. 198.
Upholding Government Discretion in Public Bidding: The Mactan Cebu Airport Case
The Supreme Court affirms that courts cannot override the government's discretion in public bidding, absent grave abuse of discretion.
Invalid Execution Sales: The Imperative of Proper Levy on Properties in the Philippines
A lawful levy is a prerequisite to a valid execution sale. Learn the rules from a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Good Faith Defense vs. Falsification and Malversation of Public Funds
Supreme Court clarifies when blind obedience to unlawful orders defeats good faith in falsification and malversation cases.
Improper Levy Voids Execution Sale Protecting Due Process in Debt Recovery
Supreme Court rules labor tribunals cannot hold corporate officers liable without summons, voiding execution sales against them.
Limits ON Lawyers Language Upholding Civility IN Legal Practice
Summary Judgment vs Trial: Protecting Rights in Contract Disputes
How the Supreme Court protects judgment debtors from irregular execution sales in contract disputes, and what it means for your rights.
When Postponements Don't Imply Misconduct: A Lesson in Ethical Practice
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's requests for postponement do not constitute professional misconduct, emphasizing the need for clear evidence of malice.
Accountability Under the Law: Determining Guilt in Kidnapping for Ransom With Homicide
How Philippine courts convict accused persons of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, explained through a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Substantial Compliance Is Enough for Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when substantial compliance with Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules still supports a drug conviction.
Prescription and Implied Trusts in Reconveyance: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions for reconveyance based on implied trusts prescribe, and how defects in notarization affect land titles.
Illegal Dismissal and Corporate Liability: The People's Security, Inc. Case
Supreme Court clarifies illegal dismissal rules, abandonment defense, and when corporate officers may be held personally liable.
Due Process and Corporate Liability: When Can a Corporate Officer Be Held Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor judgments and why due process matters.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Lawyers' Facebook Posts and Online Defamation: Ethical Limits Under Philippine Law
When can a lawyer's Facebook posts lead to suspension? The Supreme Court clarifies privacy, free speech, and professional conduct online.
Union Dues and Agency Fees: When Can Labor Unions Validly Increase Them?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the documentary requirements for valid union dues and agency fee increases under the Labor Code.
Union Dues Increase: Supreme Court Requires Strict Compliance for Agency Fees
The Supreme Court ruled that increased union agency fees require strict compliance with Labor Code approval and documentation requirements.
Taxation and Freeport Zones: The Limits of Executive Power in Revenue Regulation
The Supreme Court strikes down a revenue regulation imposing VAT and excise tax on freeport zone importations, affirming that tax exemptions cannot be revoked by executive issuance.
Integrity Under Scrutiny: Examining Corruption Allegations Against Judges and Justices
The Supreme Court clarifies the President's power to appoint Sandiganbayan justices and the limits of judicial review in quo warranto cases.
Peace Agreements and Premature Constitutional Challenges: Why Courts Wait for Implementing Laws
The Supreme Court dismissed challenges to the Bangsamoro peace agreements as premature, explaining why courts wait for implementing laws before ruling on constitutionality.