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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Security of Tenure in Government Service: When Reorganization Is a Ruse for Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court affirms that sham reorganizations violate security of tenure and that mayors acting in bad faith face personal liability for damages.
Unjustified Refusal of Transcript Release: When Can a School Withhold Records
The Supreme Court clarifies when schools may withhold transcripts and why CHED cannot award damages in disputes over student records.
Certiorari as a Remedy: Navigating the Boundaries of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari under Rule 65 is proper and why it cannot substitute a lost appeal in Sonic Steel v. CA.
Certiorari as Substitute for Appeal: Procedural Lapses and Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts
When can courts overlook procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies certiorari, Rule 43, and grave abuse of discretion in Go v. Court of Appeals.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Failure TO File AN Appeal Leads TO Dismissal
When failure to file an appeal brief leads to dismissal, the Supreme Court explains why procedural rules matter and when they may be relaxed.
Irrevocability of Tax Credit Option: Understanding the Asiaworld Properties Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that choosing to carry over excess income tax credits bars refund claims for those amounts in later years.
When Public Officials Face Personal Liability for Official Acts
Supreme Court clarifies when school officials may be personally sued for damages and why exhaustion of administrative remedies does not apply.
When Late Appeal Briefs Get Dismissed: Lessons from a Property Dispute
The Supreme Court explains when late filing of an appeal brief justifies dismissal, using a property dispute as a cautionary example.
Protecting Minors: Conviction for Statutory Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness Affirmed
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness against minors, clarifying key legal principles on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Despite Fraudulent Origins
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a good faith transferee of tax credit certificates cannot be reassessed when the original grantee committed fraud.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Primacy of the Victim's Testimony
The Supreme Court affirms a statutory rape conviction, explaining why a credible victim's testimony outweighs minor inconsistencies and medical report details.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Stock Subscriptions: Lessons from JAKA Investments
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax attaches to stock subscriptions and why refund claims fail without clear proof.
Badges of Fraud in Property Sales: When Courts Void Real Estate Deals
Philippine Supreme Court explains how "badges of fraud" can invalidate property sales, even absolute deeds, when fraud taints the transaction.
Upholding Authority When A Teachers Defense Leads TO Direct Assault Conviction
Teacher's conviction for direct assault upheld by Supreme Court; defending a child does not justify attacking a fellow teacher in authority.
Freedom of Expression vs Disruptive Mass Actions: Protecting Employee Rights in the Public Sector
The Supreme Court clarifies when public-sector employee gatherings are protected speech versus prohibited mass actions, and what evidence is needed.
Upholding Ethical Standards Disciplining Court Personnel For Gross Discourtesy And Unprofessional Conduct
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for simple misconduct, emphasizing that judges must avoid impropriety and the appearance of impropriety in all activities.
Voluntary Inhibition of Judges: When School Ties Alone Do Not Compel Disqualification
The Supreme Court clarifies that voluntary inhibition requires clear and convincing evidence of bias, not mere school affiliations or procedural disagreements.
Retirement Age Flexibility: Employer Rights and Employee Expectations in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on PNB's compulsory retirement at 60, explaining employer rights and employee expectations under Article 287.
Liability for Negligence: Contractual vs Extra-Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when negligence gives rise to contractual liability versus quasi-delict, using a damaged cargo case as example.
Can a Bank Lower the Retirement Age? Lessons from Obusan v. PNB
The Supreme Court explains when a company retirement plan can set a lower compulsory retirement age than the Labor Code's 65-year default.
Indeterminate Sentence Law Clarifying Penalties for Drug Possession
Supreme Court clarifies how the Indeterminate Sentence Law applies to drug possession penalties under RA 9165.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: Safeguarding the Accused From Retrial
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when grave abuse of discretion allows exception to the double jeopardy rule.
Demand Is Key to Rescission Rights in Philippine Contract Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that demand is essential before rescission or foreclosure rights can be exercised under contract law.
Federation Employee Eligibility Navigating Union Governance AND Election Rules
Supreme Court ruling on federation employees running for union office, election jurisdiction, and the binding force of constitutions.