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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Attorney Negligence and Disbarment: Upholding Legal Ethics in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for gross negligence and deceit, reaffirming that lawyers must uphold the highest standards of integrity and diligence.
Ombudsman's Discretion Upheld: Probable Cause in PNP Procurement Irregularities
Supreme Court affirms Ombudsman's probable cause findings in anomalous PNP V-150 LAV procurement, clarifying due process and review standards.
When Is a Seafarer's Injury Work-Related? The Arguilles Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when an off-duty injury on board a vessel is compensable, applying the bunkhouse rule and POEA-SEC standards.
Choice of Law Clauses in Cross-Border Contracts: The Standard Chartered Ruling
How Philippine courts resolve conflicting choice-of-law clauses in cross-border contracts, explained through the Standard Chartered Bank v. Philippine Investment Two ruling.
Good Faith Buyers and Title Defects: Lessons from Billote v. Badar
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on good faith buyers, Section 4 Rule 74 annotations, and co-owner sales of undivided shares.
Workplace Sexual Harassment: Defining Boundaries and Protecting Employees in the Philippines
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years over workplace sexual harassment of a junior associate, clarifying professional boundaries.
Investment Prudence and SSS Officials' Liability in Stock Purchase Decisions
Supreme Court clarifies when SSS officials may be held liable for investment decisions, applying the prudent man standard under the SSS Law.
Loss of Trust in Banking Employment: The Prudent Man Standard for Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standard for terminating bank employees for loss of trust, balancing employer diligence with employee rights.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
When a Land Dispute Is Not an Agrarian Dispute: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are civil cases, not agrarian disputes, in DAR v. Lapanday Foods.
Judicial Accountability: Granting Bail Without Due Process Is Gross Ignorance of the Law
A judge's dismissal for granting bail without due process illustrates the high standard of judicial competence and accountability in the Philippines.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Nullity: Spousal Rights and Evidentiary Standards in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies who may file for marital nullity based on psychological incapacity and the evidentiary standards required under Article 36.
Disrespect to the Court: Disbarment for Abusive Language and Unprofessional Conduct
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for abusive language and disrespect toward court officials, affirming high standards of lawyer conduct.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Attorney Sanctioned for Overreach and Notarial Misconduct
Supreme Court disciplines lawyer for exceeding search warrant limits and notarizing brother's certificate, affirming ethical boundaries.
Accountability in Public Office: Non-Remittance of GSIS Contributions and the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for unremitted GSIS contributions, distinguishing violations of RA 8291 from graft under RA 3019.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Depart from DAR Formulas
Explains the Supreme Court ruling on just compensation in agrarian reform, when courts may deviate from DAR valuation formulas, and why evidence matters.
Safeguarding Minors: The Supreme Court's Stance on Trafficking and Probable Cause
The Supreme Court reinstates a qualified trafficking case, clarifying probable cause standards and protecting minors from exploitation.
Circumventing Procurement Laws: Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Local Officials
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Buguias officials who bypassed competitive bidding under R.A. 9184, reinforcing public trust standards.
Solicitation and Sanctions: Upholding Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disciplines a lawyer for soliciting clients and making false charges, reaffirming ethical standards in the legal profession.
Upholding Integrity: Dismissal and Penalties for Grave Misconduct and Insubordination in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court penalizes a court utility worker for gross insubordination and grave misconduct, reinforcing integrity standards in the judiciary.
No COLA on Top of Standardized Pay for Government Employees Post-1989
Supreme Court confirms COLA and amelioration allowance are integrated into standardized salaries under RA 6758; no extra payment allowed.
When Public Funds Meet Personal Expenses: Disallowing Extraordinary Expenses for Water District Officials
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of extraordinary expenses paid to a water district general manager without legal basis under the Salary Standardization Law.
Financial Support and VAWC: Defining the Boundaries of Criminal Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for criminal liability under RA 9262.
Succession Rights and DAR Secretary's Authority in Agrarian Beneficiary Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DAR Secretary's exclusive jurisdiction over successor designation in agrarian reform beneficiary disputes, reversing CA ruling.