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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Ombudsman's Immunity Power Prevails: Protecting Whistleblowers in Corruption Cases
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's power to grant immunity to accused-turned-state-witness in tax credit scam, overriding Sandiganbayan's objections.
Treachery and Intent: How Grenade Attacks Establish Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court explains how treachery and criminal intent are established when a grenade is thrown into a crowd, affirming a murder conviction.
Security of Tenure Protection Against Forced Eviction for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
The Supreme Court rules that forced eviction of agrarian reform beneficiaries is illegal, and threats can suspend the prescriptive period for filing claims.
Abandonment vs. Illegal Dismissal: Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes abandonment from illegal dismissal and who bears the burden of proof in termination disputes.
Airline Breach of Contract of Carriage: Nominal Damages for Flight Disruptions
When do flight disruptions give rise to nominal damages? The Supreme Court clarifies airline and travel agent liability for breach of contract of carriage.
Seafarers Death Benefits: Contract Extensions, Release Documents, and Compensability
Supreme Court rules seafarer's death compensable despite release documents and expired contract, protecting heirs' right to death benefits.
When Judges May Dismiss Criminal Cases for Lack of Probable Cause
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may dismiss criminal cases for lack of probable cause, and when they must let the case proceed to trial.
Illegal Dismissal and Abandonment: Proving Employee Intent in Philippine Labor Law
When does failure to report for work become abandonment? The Supreme Court clarifies the employer's burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Citizenship and Residency Requirements for Public Office: Reyes v. COMELEC
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Reyes v. COMELEC on citizenship, residency, and disqualification of candidates for public office.
When Retirement Ends Judicial Accountability: The Andaya Doctrine on Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a judge's retirement bars administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Judicial Ethics: Court Employee Cannot Buy Litigated Property
Court employees must avoid acquiring property in litigation, even outside their court's jurisdiction, to uphold judicial integrity.
Abandonment vs Illegal Dismissal: When Absence Is Not Enough to Fire an Employee
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employee absence is not abandonment, and what employers must prove to justify dismissal.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Protecting Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court upholds a drug conviction, clarifying buy-bust validity, chain of custody rules, and evidentiary standards under RA 9165.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
When no eyewitness exists, circumstantial evidence can convict. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in People v. De la Cruz.
Probable Cause and Conflicting Testimonies in Rape and Illegal Detention Cases
When may courts override prosecutors on probable cause? The Supreme Court clarifies in a case of rape, illegal detention, and conflicting testimonies.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a rape-with-homicide conviction based solely on circumstantial evidence, and what this means for Philippine criminal prosecutions.
When Company Benefits AND Legal Title Collide Establishing Ownership Through Resulting Trusts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that paying for an asset registered in another's name creates a resulting trust, even in employee benefits.
Gross Neglect vs Illegal Dismissal: Employee Duties and Employer Rights
When can an employer dismiss a rank-and-file employee for gross neglect? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on just causes and loss of confidence.
When a Deceased Defendant Is Named in a Collection Case: Jurisdiction and Solidary Liability Rules
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what happens when a defendant dies before a collection suit is filed, and how solidary obligations affect the case.
Expropriation and Summary Judgment: Protecting Just Compensation in Philippine Condemnation Cases
When can summary judgment decide just compensation in expropriation cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules and protects landowners' rights.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Communicate Standards for Regularization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at hiring or risk illegal dismissal liability.
Beneficial Ownership When Trust Relationships in Corporate Benefits Prevail
When a company buys a club share in an employee's name, who truly owns it? The Supreme Court explains trust relationships and beneficial ownership.
Material Misrepresentation and Vegetable Lands Excluded From PD 27 Coverage
Supreme Court rules vegetable lands are outside PD 27 coverage; Emancipation Patents issued through material misrepresentation are void.