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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Protecting Innocence: Statutory Rape Law and Child Victim Testimony
Explaining statutory rape under Philippine law, why child testimony is credible, and the rules on proving carnal knowledge.
COLA Benefits and Government Employment: Understanding Integrated Salaries Under R.A. 6758
The Supreme Court clarifies when Cost of Living Allowance is deemed integrated into government salaries under R.A. 6758, and why back pay is unauthorized.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Violent Crimes in the Philippines
When an accused dies pending appeal, criminal liability ends—but civil liability may survive. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Replevin vs Employer-Employee Relationship: Clarifying Jurisdiction in Car Financing Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that replevin actions arising from car financing agreements are civil in nature, not labor disputes, regardless of employer-employee ties.
Untimely Appeal: When Delays in Filing Cost Levi's Its Trademark Protection
The Supreme Court rules that failing to perfect a timely appeal to the Court of Appeals is jurisdictional, costing Levi Strauss its TAB DEVICE trademark.
Determining Good Faith Remand FOR Trial ON Property Ownership Disputes
When can the Supreme Court remand a property dispute for trial? Learn from Toledo v. Court of Appeals on good faith buyers.
Cause OF Action Annulment OF Sheriffs Sale Based ON Alleged Loan Payment
Tax Amnesty Administrative Rules Cannot Override Statutory Law
Supreme Court ruling on ING Bank v. CIR: BIR revenue circulars cannot override the Tax Amnesty Act of 2007.
When Can a Sheriff Accept a Voluntary Surrender? Scope of Authority Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that sheriffs cannot accept an accused's voluntary surrender without a court order, ruling it simple misconduct.
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.
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.
Valid Notice in Corporate Meetings: Mailing vs Receipt in the Philippines
Learn when termination notices are valid in the Philippines—mailing vs receipt, and the 30-day rule under the Labor Code.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Valid Jurat and Proper Verification: Lessons from William Go Que Construction v. CA
A defective jurat in a verification and certification against forum shopping can doom a petition. Learn the rules on competent evidence of identity.
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.
Accountability in Judiciary Fines Imposed for Undue Delays and Non-Compliance
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of PCSO cost of living allowance, holding approving officers liable for refund while protecting good-faith recipients.
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.
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.
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.