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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Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
Judicial Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's transfer affects decision validity and the rules on new trial grounds in criminal cases.
When a Justice Transfers: Promulgation of Sandiganbayan Decisions and New Trial Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Sandiganbayan decision is valid despite a ponente's transfer, and tightens the rules on new trials.
Reckless Driving and Road Accidents: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence clarifies when a driver is criminally liable for a road accident. Learn the rules.
Docket Fees and Substantial Justice: When Technicalities Take a Backseat
The Supreme Court relaxed the strict docket-fee rule in Heirs of Reinoso v. Court of Appeals, ruling that procedure must not defeat the merits of a case.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Ethical Boundaries for Public Officials: Soliciting Loans and Conflict of Interest
Public officials cannot solicit loans from entities they regulate, even if they are cooperative members. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Loan Contract Perfection and Mortgage Validity: Insights from Palada v. Solidbank
When is a loan contract perfected, and what makes a real estate mortgage valid? The Supreme Court clarifies in Palada v. Solidbank.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Santos v. Litton Mills and the Primacy of Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules when there is substantial compliance, ensuring justice prevails over technicalities in labor cases.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: The Coca-Cola Export Corporation v. Gacayan Case
Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing non-managerial employees holding positions of responsibility, reversing an illegal dismissal ruling.
Due Process and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Litigation
The Supreme Court explains why failing to implead an indispensable party voids a judgment and violates due process in property disputes.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
Accountability Amidst Chaos: Supreme Court Upholds Abu Sayyaf Kidnapping Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms the kidnapping convictions of Abu Sayyaf members, rejecting alibi, duress, and minority defenses.
Appeal Bond Reduction in NLRC: Navigating Financial Hardship in Labor Disputes
When can an employer reduce the NLRC appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on meritorious grounds and financial hardship.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when psychological abuse is committed online.
When a Seafarer's Appeal Goes to the Wrong Forum: The Cost of a Mistaken Remedy
A seafarer's appeal to the Office of the President instead of the Court of Appeals proved fatal, as the Supreme Court upheld the finality of the labor ruling against him.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Breach of Seafarer Employment Contracts: POEA Rules and the Risk of Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a seafarer's refusal to join a vessel clarifies POEA breach rules and the proper appeal route.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Courts Distinguish Lawful Drug Busts
The Supreme Court explains the difference between valid entrapment and unlawful instigation in drug sale cases, and why it matters.