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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Quantum Meruit and Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Filing Claims After Case Finality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering attorney's fees via quantum meruit after a case becomes final, with timing rules.
Piercing the Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
When is a manpower agency a mere labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies the test for true employer status in labor disputes.
Breach of Trust Convicting a Father for the Qualified Rape of His Daughter
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape, explaining how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.
Betrayal of Trust: Convicting a Father for the Rape of His Daughter in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape of his minor daughter, explaining the rules on credibility, force, and penalties.
Sheriffs' Misconduct Over Levied Vehicle: Grave Abuse of Public Trust
When sheriffs used a levied vehicle for personal errands and lost it, the Supreme Court imposed the ultimate administrative penalty.
Disbarment for Lawyer’s Fraudulent Sale of Client’s Property
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who misrepresented ownership of clients’ land, sold it, and kept proceeds, violating Rule 1.01 of the CPR.
Heirship Disputes Must Be Resolved in Special Proceedings, Not Ordinary Civil Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that determining legal heirs requires a special proceeding, not an ordinary action for reconveyance.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: When an Employee Is Forced to Quit
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and when an employer's actions force an employee out.
Abandonment vs. Constructive Dismissal: Proving Intent in Philippine Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of abandonment of employment and why employers must prove clear intent to sever the employer-employee relationship.
Simulated Sales: When Intent to Transfer Ownership Is Absent
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Formaran v. Ong as a guide.
When Is Employee Dismissal for Abandonment Justified Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two elements of abandonment of employment and when dismissal is legally justified.
Reasonable Doubt: When Inconsistent Police Testimony Overturns a Drug Sale Conviction
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect after police witnesses gave conflicting accounts of a buy-bust operation, breaking the chain of custody.
Bigamy and Nullity of Marriage: When a Void Second Marriage Still Leads to Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that a subsequent declaration of nullity of a second marriage does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Seafarers Disability Claims: POEA-SEC Governs Absent Proof of CBA Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when POEA-SEC, not a CBA, governs seafarer disability pay; proof requirements for claiming superior CBA benefits.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Authority: Enforceability of Decisions Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions remain enforceable despite pending appeals, balancing administrative discipline with due process.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
Preliminary Attachment Lien Survives Compromise Agreement Until Debt Paid
Supreme Court rules attachment liens continue until debt is fully paid, even after a compromise agreement ends the main case.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: Limits of Employee Transfers
When is a job transfer a valid management prerogative and when does it become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies in Peckson v. Robinsons Supermarket.
When Kin Turn Killers: Conspiracy and Defense of Relatives in Philippine Murder Law
The Supreme Court affirms murder convictions of three relatives, clarifying conspiracy and the defense of relatives under Article 11 of the Revised Penal Code.
Expert Testimony Admissibility and the Courts' Discretion in Evidence
When can courts disqualify an expert witness? The Supreme Court clarifies that only specific grounds under the Rules of Court justify exclusion.
Ombudsman Decisions Stay Executory Pending Appeal: A Guide for Public Officers
Learn why Ombudsman dismissal orders remain immediately executory pending appeal, and how the Supreme Court protects the Ombudsman's enforcement powers.
Safeguarding Rights: The Importance of Proper Procedure in Drug Cases
In People v. Oniza, the Supreme Court acquitted two accused of drug charges because police ignored the mandatory procedures under Section 21 of R.A. 9165.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.