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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Supreme Court: Selling Pirated Software Alone Is Copyright Infringement
The Supreme Court rules that merely selling pirated software constitutes copyright infringement under PD 49, reversing the Court of Appeals' restrictive reading.
Land Registration Jurisdiction: When Full Trial Beats Summary Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when land registration cases need full trial instead of summary proceedings under PD 1529.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Dismissal in Philippine Banking
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank branch head's breach of trust justifies dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Ancestral Domain Disputes NCIP Jurisdiction and the Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes and when regular courts decide cases involving non-indigenous parties.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies when judges may re-determine probable cause and how judicial discretion must respect final rulings.
Murder Conviction Affirmed: Treachery, Alibi, and Damages in People v. Parba
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on positive identification, rejecting alibi and clarifying damages in treachery cases.
Limits of a General Power of Attorney Authority to Sell Real Property in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a general power of attorney does not authorize an agent to sell real property without a special power of attorney.
Final Liquidation Court Orders Prevail Over Collection Suits: Solidbank v. CA
A final liquidation court order cannot be overturned by a trial court in a separate collection suit, explains the Supreme Court in Solidbank v. CA.
Temporary Layoffs in the Philippines: When Financial Stability Claims Fail Legal Scrutiny
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when temporary layoffs are illegal, requiring employers to prove good faith and dire business exigency.
Redundancy Dismissals: Strict Compliance With Labor Code Imperative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for valid redundancy termination, including mandatory DOLE notice and fair selection criteria.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Diligence in Cargo Handling
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on arrastre operator negligence, burden of proof, and liability for damaged cargo under custody.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: Defining the Scope of Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bus company is liable for a passenger's death caused by a co-passenger, distinguishing extraordinary diligence from ordinary care.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Ombudsman's Disciplinary Decisions Are Immediately Executory: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms Ombudsman disciplinary decisions are immediately executory; courts cannot block their implementation.
Prior Possession Prevails: Protecting Possessory Rights in Forcible Entry Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, protecting occupants from unlawful ejection.
When Can One Court Interfere With Another's Decisions? The Rule on Judicial Non-Interference
The Supreme Court explains why a Regional Trial Court cannot restrain the execution of an Ombudsman's decision in disciplinary cases.
Inducement in Homicide: When Words Lead to Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Ambagan v. People on when spoken words can make a person liable as principal by inducement in homicide.
Certiorari and Finality: When Courts Can Still Modify NLRC Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies that a timely Rule 65 petition prevents an NLRC decision from becoming final and executory, allowing appellate modification.
Workers' Right to Self-Organization: When a Workers' Association Is Valid Despite Employer Objections
Supreme Court clarifies that workers with definite employers may form workers' associations for mutual aid, not just unions for collective bargaining.
Reinstatement Orders of Voluntary Arbitrators Are Immediately Executory—Even Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court confirms that reinstatement orders by Voluntary Arbitrators are immediately executory, even pending appeal, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is Not the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is truly independent, shielding the principal from employer liability.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Forcible Entry, Heir Substitution, and Judgment Immutability in Property Disputes
When can heirs substitute a deceased party in a forcible entry case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judgment immutability.