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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Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Voluntary Resignation and Quitclaims Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on when a resignation and quitclaim are voluntary, and what evidence employees must present to prove illegal dismissal.
Reckless Driving and the Duty of Care: What Senit v. People Means for Motorists
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking another vehicle demands a high degree of care, and explains when trial in absentia is valid.
From Grave to Slight: Oral Defamation and Free Speech in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when insulting words rise to grave or slight oral defamation, balancing free speech with protecting reputation.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: When Does an Insult Become Defamation
The Supreme Court explains the line between insult, criticism, and oral defamation in De Leon v. People.
Can a University Be Bound by Unauthorized Mortgages? Corporate Authority Explained
When can a corporation be bound by an officer's unauthorized acts? The Supreme Court explains in University of Mindanao v. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Judge Suspended for Granting Furloughs Without Hearing and Altering Court Records
Supreme Court suspends judge for granting furloughs without bail hearing and for ordering alterations to a transcript of stenographic notes.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Intent to Kill in Philippine Law: How Courts Prove Homicide and Fix Penalties
Philippine courts explain how intent to kill is proven in homicide cases, and when penalty and damages must be corrected on appeal.
Annulment of Judgment: Why Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence Matter in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available—extrinsic fraud must come from the adverse party, not one's own counsel.
Striking A Balance Upholding Club Rules VS Ensuring Procedural Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss workers for joining an illegal strike and the limits of that power.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Rules in Philippine Homicide Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition, damages, and evidence rules in homicide appeals under Rule 45.
Defining Construction Cost Interest Expenses and Reserved Units in Joint Development Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what counts as actual construction cost in joint development agreements, excluding interest expenses from the computation.
When Return-to-Work Orders Clash with Employee Rights: The Philippine Airlines Illegal Dismissal Case
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on return-to-work orders, backwages, and the limits of reinstatement in illegal dismissal cases.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Res Judicata and Finality: When an Unsigned Supreme Court Resolution Binds Only the Parties
Explore how the Supreme Court clarified that unsigned resolutions bind only parties, not the public, and what it means for cyber libel prescription.
Proving Negligence in Quasi-Delict Cases: The Supreme Court's Latest Word
The Supreme Court affirms that quasi-delict claims require proof of negligence, proximate cause, and damage, rejecting a Rule 45 factual review.
Biometrics and Ballots: Safeguarding Suffrage Through Voter Validation
The Supreme Court upheld RA 10367's mandatory biometrics validation, ruling it a procedural registration requirement, not an unconstitutional substantive qualification on suffrage.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Contractual Work
Learn when a fixed-term contract ends in illegal dismissal, and how retirement age affects employee rights under Philippine law.
Waiver of Due Process When Consent Cures Procedural Defects in Administrative Cases
A party who voluntarily participates in an administrative proceeding without objecting to procedural defects may be deemed to have waived the right to question them later.
Probationary Employment: Standards for Regularization and Dismissal Explained
Learn the rules on probationary employment in the Philippines—what standards employers must set and when dismissal is valid.
Constructive Dismissal vs Abandonment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the line between constructive dismissal and abandonment, protecting security of tenure for security guards in the Philippines.
Why Deadlines Matter in Philippine Courts: Lessons from a Falsification Case
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural deadlines are crucial in Philippine criminal appeals and how courts review convictions.
Preliminary Injunctions Safeguarding Rights Without Prejudging the Merits
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions must preserve rights, not prejudge cases, citing City of Iloilo v. Honrado.
Substantial vs Minor Breach of Contract: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law on when a contract breach justifies rescission: substantial vs minor violations explained through a Supreme Court ruling.