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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Breach OF Contract When Does Failure TO Transfer Title Justify Rescission
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.
Finality of Judgment: Enforcing Court Orders Against Government Agencies
When a court decision becomes final, government agencies must comply. The CSC learned this lesson in Civil Service Commission v. Magoyag.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Witness Testimony and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, explaining how credible victim testimony alone can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Can the President Revoke a Mining Agreement? The Narra Nickel Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that the President's cancellation of a Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement is administrative, not quasi-judicial.
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.
Cash Advances and Malversation: When Good Faith Defeats Criminal Intent
The Supreme Court clarifies when an unliquidated cash advance becomes malversation, acquitting a mayor who acted in good faith.
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.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Credibility OF Witness Testimony AND THE Significance OF Corroborative Medical Evidence
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in the Plywood Industry
Supreme Court clarifies when workers, claiming they were hired only when there was high demand for plywood or when regular employees were absent.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of Land Sales Under CARP Coverage
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction over annulment of deeds of sale for agricultural lands covered by CARP, even without notice of coverage.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
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.
Balancing Innovation AND Ecology Philippine Court Halts GMO Field Trials
Preventive Suspension for Separate Offenses: Smart Communications v. Solidum
Supreme Court clarifies that employers may impose fresh preventive suspensions for newly discovered offenses, and explains the limits of the rule.
Dishonesty as Just Cause for Dismissal: Lessons from the Smart Communications Case
When a department head approved fictitious marketing projects and fake agencies, the Supreme Court upheld dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.
Labor-Only Contracting and Illegal Dismissal: Solidary Liability of Principal and Contractor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, control test, and solidary liability for illegal dismissal under the Labor Code.
Permanent Total Disability for Seafarers: The 120-Day Rule and POEA-SEC Entitlement
When does a seafarer's disability become permanent and total? The Supreme Court clarifies the 120-day rule and POEA-SEC compensation in Island Overseas Transport v. Beja.
Citizenship Denied When Earning Less Means Less Entitlement TO Naturalization
Double Jeopardy and Civil Liability When Acquittal Does Not Erase Debt
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double jeopardy, finality of acquittal, and civil liability in estafa cases.
Probable Cause and the Ombudsman's Discretion: Limits of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's dismissal of criminal charges for lack of probable cause, underscoring the limits of judicial review over prosecutorial discretion.
Illegal Dismissal: Computing Separation Pay and Backwages Using Gross Monthly Pay
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute separation pay and backwages for illegally dismissed employees, using gross monthly pay, inclusive of allowances and benefits.
Preventive Suspension Limits and Employer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when employers may impose successive preventive suspensions and the rules on appeal bonds in labor cases.
Perfecting Joint Venture Agreements Consent Object AND Cause IN Philippine contract LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, joint and several liability, and procedural due process in illegal dismissal cases.