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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Union Security Clauses and Employee Rights: Lessons from PICOP Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when union security clauses justify dismissal and how employee rights to self-organization are protected.
Rape of a Person Deprived of Reason: Evidence and Conviction in People v. Lindo
The Supreme Court clarifies rape of a person deprived of reason, evidence admissibility, and conviction standards in People v. Lindo.
Novation Requires Clear Agreement: Loan Restructuring and Foreclosure Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that accepting partial payments does not automatically novate a loan, and banks may still foreclose on defaulted mortgages.
Probable Cause vs Prosecutorial Discretion: The Perjury Case of Verzano v. Paro
A prosecutor cannot presume probable cause simply because a respondent fails to file a counter-affidavit. The Supreme Court explains why.
Drug Testing in Employment: Employer's Duty to Prove Accreditation for Valid Termination
When can a positive drug test justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies employer obligations under R.A. 9165.
Security of Tenure Prevails: Tenant Rights in Agricultural Land Reform
Supreme Court affirms tenant security of tenure under agrarian reform, voiding landowner's attempt to dispossess farmer-beneficiaries of their landholding.
When "NANNY" Infringes "NAN": The Dominancy Test in Philippine Trademark Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a similar-sounding mark like NANNY infringes a registered trademark like NAN, applying the dominancy test.
Probable Cause and Prosecutor's Review: Lessons from Verzano v. Paro
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's finding of probable cause amounts to grave abuse of discretion, and how courts review such resolutions.
Preliminary Injunctions in Foreclosure: Clear Legal Right Required
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to stop extrajudicial foreclosure sales.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: Employers' Burden of Proof in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for employee dismissal, and the employer's burden of proof.
Reconveyance vs Quieting of Title: When Co-Owner Claims Do Not Prescribe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an action for reconveyance is imprescriptible, treating it as a suit to quiet title when the claimant remains in possession.
Unreasonable Delay in Resolving Ejectment Cases: A Judge's Administrative Liability
Supreme Court holds judge liable for undue delay in ejectment case, emphasizing summary proceedings demand speedy resolution.
Acquisitive Prescription: Good Faith and Just Title in Land Ownership Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a compromise agreement and a sale made during litigation cannot establish the good faith and just title needed for ordinary acquisitive prescription.
Sales Invoice Suffices for VAT Refund Claims: Disparity Between Goods and Services Eliminated
Supreme Court rules sales invoices can substantiate VAT refund claims for zero-rated services, not just official receipts.
Employer Liability in Criminal Cases: When Civil Liability Is Only Subsidiary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers are subsidiarily liable for employee crimes, distinguishing quasi-delict from criminal civil liability.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Weight of a Child’s Testimony in Abuse by a Stepfather
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather’s qualified rape conviction, explaining why a child’s consistent testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and alibi.
Defining Rank-and-File Union Membership Eligibility in the Philippines
A 2010 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when employees are confidential and excluded from rank-and-file bargaining units, and what constitutes unfair labor practice.
Employer Liability in Criminal Negligence Cases: When Subsidiary, Not Solidary, Liability Applies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face subsidiary versus solidary liability for employee crimes like reckless imprudence.
Redemption Rights in Tax Sales: When the One-Year Period Starts in Quezon City
The Supreme Court clarifies when the one-year redemption period starts for tax-delinquent properties sold at auction in Quezon City.
Moral Ascendancy vs Consent: Understanding Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies rape, attempted rape, and acts of lasciviousness under Philippine law, including the role of moral ascendancy and intimidation.
Good Faith Construction: Defining Landowner and Builder Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rights of good faith builders and landowners under Civil Code Articles 448, 546, and 548.
Abuse of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law: The Bien v. Bo Case
When do public officials cross the line into abuse of authority? The Supreme Court's ruling in Bien v. Bo provides clear guidance on official capacity and private benefit.
Corporate Rehabilitation Dismissed for Rule Violations and Creditor Opposition
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of corporate rehabilitation petition where debtor violated procedural rules and faced substantial creditor opposition.
Void Sale of Market Stall: Buyer Can Recover Price Despite Null Contract
Supreme Court rules on void sale of city-owned market stall, allowing buyer to recover P20,000 with interest despite null contract.