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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Attorney Accountability for Defamatory Imputations Against Courts
Supreme Court suspends two lawyers for a checkbook entry implying the Sandiganbayan took a P2M bribe for a TRO.
Navigating Compensation in GOCCs: PCSO COLA Disallowance and the Limits of Board Authority
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO's cost of living allowance, clarifying limits on GOCC board authority over compensation.
When the Comelec En Banc Deadlocks: Division Rulings Stand, Not Dismissed
Supreme Court clarifies that a Comelec en banc deadlock on a motion for reconsideration affirms the division's ruling, not dismisses the case.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Retrenchment and Employee Rights
When does a resignation during retrenchment become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on voluntary resignation and employee rights.
Judicial Accountability: Neglect of Duty and the Limits of Medical Justification
The Supreme Court holds that a judge's poor health cannot excuse gross neglect of duty, imposing fines on a retired judge for delays.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Dismissal for Dishonesty in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dismissal for dishonesty in public service, explaining ethical standards and consequences for government employees.
CIBAC Party-List Dispute: Resolving Authority Over Nominees and Electoral Contest Jurisdiction
Supreme Court settles who may validly nominate party-list representatives and clarifies when the HRET, not COMELEC, has jurisdiction over election contests.
Notice Requirement in Business Closure: Protecting Employee Rights
Learn the 30-day notice rule for business closure under Philippine labor law, and what counts as compliance.
Reconstitution of Land Titles: Proving Prior Existence Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconstitution of lost titles: proof of prior issuance is required under RA 26, not just a decree.
Forged Deeds and Imprescriptible Rights: Protecting Land Ownership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forged deeds, land ownership protection, and the limits of prescription in property disputes.
Substituted Service of Summons: When Courts Fail to Acquire Jurisdiction Over Defendants
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for substituted service of summons and when failure to comply means no jurisdiction over defendants.
Work Relatedness and Seafarer Disability Claims: Proving the Link
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove work relatedness for disability claims, not just inability to work for 120 days.
When a Reinstated Life Insurance Policy Becomes Incontestable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the two-year contestability period runs after a life insurance policy is reinstated.
Co-Ownership Rights Protecting Inherited Property Against Unconsented Mortgages
Learn how co-owners can protect inherited property from unconsented mortgages and what the Supreme Court says about ownership rights.
Probable Cause and Preliminary Investigations: Safeguarding Rights in Criminal Proceedings
The Supreme Court explains probable cause standards, due process in preliminary investigations, and why judicial determination prevails.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Marking Seized Evidence Matters
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, stressing strict evidence handling rules.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: When a Notice of Lis Pendens Can Be Cancelled
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that only the court with jurisdiction over the main action may cancel a lis pendens, and final judgments cannot be collaterally attacked.
Voluntary vs Involuntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
When does retirement become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the thin line between voluntary and involuntary retirement in Robina Farms v. Villa.
Tax Refunds and Court Discretion: When Can a Taxpayer Withdraw an Appeal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Final Decision on Disputed Assessment is void and its effect on tax assessments.
When Court Notices Must Reach the Lawyer: Cervantes v. City Service Corporation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that procedural deadlines run from counsel's receipt of notice, not the client's, in NLRC cases.
Demotion by Assignment: Protecting Employees from Constructive Dismissal
When does a transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains how demotion in rank, even without pay cut, violates security of tenure.
Demotion Disguised: Constructive Dismissal and Employee Rights in the Philippines
When a transfer is a demotion in disguise, it amounts to constructive dismissal. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Rape Conviction Valid Based on Testimony of Mute, Mentally Retarded Victim
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on a mute and mentally retarded victim's testimony through sign language, clarifying credibility standards.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: Proving Work Relatedness Under the POEA-SEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits, work-relatedness, and the POEA-SEC compensability requirements.