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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Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
Breach of Marital Vows: Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage Justified
A lawyer who contracts a second marriage while his first remains valid commits gross immorality warranting disbarment, the Supreme Court ruled.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of HLURB Decisions and Strict Appeal Periods
A Supreme Court ruling underscores that HLURB decisions become final if appeals to the Office of the President are filed late, even by a few days.
Slippage in Construction Contracts: Government Immunity and Contractor Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on government immunity in construction contracts and contractor liability for project delays and slippage.
Influence Peddling IN THE Legal Profession Upholding Ethical Standards AND Public Trust
Understand when a lawyer's error becomes gross misconduct, and why obeying court orders is a sacred duty.
When a Sale Is Really a Sale: Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell in Ejectment
A deed called "conditional" may still be an absolute sale. The Supreme Court explains when ownership passes, and why the wrong remedy can cost you your case.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Owner's Duplicate and ROD Certifications
Supreme Court clarifies when a lost owner's duplicate title and ROD certifications suffice for judicial reconstitution of a transfer certificate of title.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Security Guard's Prolonged Floating Status Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when a security guard's floating status beyond six months amounts to constructive dismissal, entitling the guard to separation pay and back wages.
Compromise Agreements Upholding Due Process and Party Rights in Contractual Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies due process and party rights in compromise agreements within contractual disputes.
Intoxication and Consent: Examining the Boundaries of Rape in Philippine Law
Supreme Court ruling on when intoxication negates consent in rape cases, explaining the elements of rape and the burden of proof.
Ombudsman’s Disciplinary Authority Over Public Officials Affirmed by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman’s power to directly impose administrative penalties, not just recommend them, on erring public officials.
Expropriation: When Legal Interest and Consequential Damages Are Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest and consequential damages apply in expropriation cases, and who pays transfer taxes.
Law Firms and Conflict of Interest: Upholding Client Loyalty and Confidentiality
The Supreme Court holds law firms liable for conflict of interest when one lawyer takes a case against a former client of the firm.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.
Theft vs. Estafa: When Employee Misappropriation Is Not Estafa (Benabaye Doctrine)
The Supreme Court in Benabaye v. People clarifies when an employee's misappropriation of funds is theft, not estafa, based on possession.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Clerk of Court's Mismanagement of Funds
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court for gross neglect of duty, dishonesty, and grave misconduct over unremitted judiciary funds and unauthorized withdrawals.
Upholding Military Honor, Due Process, and Academic Freedom in PMA Dismissals
The Supreme Court affirms PMA's dismissal of a cadet for honor code violation, balancing military discipline with due process rights.
Sheriff's Extortion and Neglect of Duty: A Supreme Court Lesson on Court Personnel Integrity
Supreme Court ruling on a sheriff's extortion and neglect of duty, reaffirming that sheriffs must execute writs with diligence and integrity.
When a Collaborating Lawyer Becomes Your Counsel of Record
Explore when a collaborating lawyer becomes your counsel and the ethical duties that follow, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Breach of Trust Establishing Guilt in Qualified Theft Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how a cashier's breach of confidence proves qualified theft, affirming reclusion perpetua for P640,353.86 misappropriation.
Establishing Attorney Client Relationship Actions Imply Consent Beyond Written Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lawyer-client relationships can be implied from actions, not just written contracts, in administrative case.
Falsification OF Bundy Cards Upholding Honesty IN Public Service
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
How the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction despite missing inventory and photos, explaining the chain of custody rule.
Ensuring Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Upholding Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, reinforcing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165.