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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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.
Judicial Independence Addressing Baseless Administrative Complaints Against Justices
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.
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.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Authority: PHIC Allowances and the Limits of GOCC Discretion
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on PHIC's disallowed allowances, fiscal autonomy limits, and COA's audit power over GOCC benefits.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Oversight: Striking the Balance in PHIC
The Supreme Court clarifies that PHIC's fiscal autonomy does not exempt it from COA oversight and compensation standards.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Negligence Justifies Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that negligence in handling company property can justify dismissal for breach of trust, even without proof of theft or misconduct.
Parent Company Liability for Employee Benefits in Labor Disputes
When can a parent company be held solidarily liable for its subsidiary's unpaid employee benefits? The Supreme Court explains.
Acquiring Public Land: Open Possession Since 1945 and the Right to Compensation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when long possession of public land can ripen into ownership and entitle a claimant to just compensation.
Determining Damages in Wrongful Death: Balancing Compensation and Proof
How the Supreme Court balances compensation and proof in wrongful death cases, and what heirs must prove to recover damages.
Protecting THE Vulnerable Upholding Conviction IN Statutory Rape Cases 3
SEC Cease and Desist Orders and Investment Contracts: A Supreme Court Primer
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC cease and desist orders are interlocutory, not appealable, and that the SEC has primary jurisdiction over investment contract questions.
When a Fake Lawyer Represented the Accused: Due Process and the Right to Counsel
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a non-lawyer, reaffirming the absolute right to counsel.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: When a Fake Lawyer Means Denial of Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled that conviction is void when an accused is represented by a non-lawyer, as it violates the constitutional right to counsel.
Unraveling Fraud Protecting Heirs Rights IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when heirs can pursue quieting of title and reconveyance despite allegations of fraud and laches.
Civil Indemnity for Death: How Philippine Courts Determine Damages
The Supreme Court explains how civil indemnity, moral damages, and other awards are computed when a crime causes death, using Lim v. Tan as a guide.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Breach of Trust Justifies Termination Despite Weak Theft Evidence
Philippine Auto Components v. Jumadla clarifies when loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissal even if serious misconduct is not proven.
Cease and Desist Orders Secs Authority and the Limits of Judicial Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies when an appeal from a trial court's dismissal order involves questions of fact, not just law.
Upholding Employee Dismissal FOR Gross Negligence DUE Process AND Employer Trust
Duty of Disclosure in Insurance Contracts: Insurers Must Prove Concealment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that insurers bear the burden of proving concealment or misrepresentation by convincing evidence before rescinding policies.
Upholding Client Trust: Attorney's Duty to Account for Funds and Return Documents
A lawyer cannot withhold client funds or documents for unpaid fees; the Supreme Court suspends Atty. Jimenez for six months.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases: Conviction Void When "Lawyer" Is Not a Bar Member
When a criminal defendant is represented by someone who is not a lawyer, the conviction violates due process and must be set aside.
When a "Lawyer" Is Not a Lawyer: Due Process and the Right to Counsel in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court voids a conviction where the accused was represented by a fake lawyer, stressing the absolute right to counsel.
Compulsory vs. Permissive Counterclaims: What Philippine Litigants Must Know
Learn the difference between compulsory and permissive counterclaims in Philippine courts, including docket fees, forum shopping, and the Alba v. Malapajo ruling.