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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Workplace Misconduct Upholding Decorum IN THE Philippine Judiciary 2
Court employee fined for simple misconduct after verbal abuse and physical assault on a co-worker inside court premises.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Land Use
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.
Loss of Trust: When Separation Pay Is Not an Option
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissed employees forfeit separation pay, even if dismissal is for loss of trust and confidence.
Corporate Shares and Fiduciary Duty: When Can a Director's Actions Be Considered Fraudulent?
In Makati Sports Club v. Cheng, the Supreme Court explains why suspicion of insider dealing is not enough to prove fraud against a corporate director.
Eyewitness Identification Upholding Conviction Despite Informal Police Lineup in Kidnapping Case
Supreme Court affirms kidnapping conviction despite informal police lineup, ruling eyewitness identification was positive and independently reliable.
Annulment of Judgment in Philippine Law: Why Procedural Remedies Must Come First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that annulment of judgment under Rule 47 requires exhausting ordinary remedies first, or the petition fails.
Navigating the Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies warrantless searches of moving vehicles and the chain of custody rule for seized drugs under RA 9165.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari can replace an appeal in Philippine procedure, and how the Supreme Court treats loss of trust and confidence in dismissals.
Early Retirement Programs: Contractual Obligations vs Management Prerogative
When does a company's early retirement offer become a binding contract? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative.
DARAB Jurisdiction Over Land Sale Disputes Involving CARP-Covered Agricultural Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB, not regular courts, has jurisdiction over disputes involving sales of agricultural lands under CARP coverage.
Estate Administration Prioritizing Family Ties Over Illegitimacy in Heir Selection
Supreme Court rules on appointing administrators, weighing family ties and adoption over illegitimacy bars in estate cases.
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: When Advocacy Crosses Into Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying ethical limits of advocacy.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: When a Demotion Does Not End Employment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and the rights of managerial employees in the Philippines.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglecting Client and Misappropriating Funds Faces Contempt
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reverse disbarment, cites him for contempt, and orders execution to return misappropriated client funds.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment, citing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer Negligence and the Duty of Diligence and Communication in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' duties of diligence and communication, examining a case where attorney negligence led to disciplinary action.
Safeguarding Suffrage: The Right to Information in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court compels Comelec to disclose election preparations, affirming the people's right to information on matters of public concern.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Joel Roa
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction, explaining buy-bust validity, PDEA coordination, and chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Timely Justice Determining THE Correct Appeal Method IN Land Valuation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved the proper appeal method and interest computation in land valuation cases under CARP.
Conspiracy and Drug Sales: Establishing Intent and Upholding the Presumption of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling on how concerted acts prove conspiracy in illegal drug sales and when police regularity is presumed.
Compromise Agreements: How Party Autonomy Ends Civil Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that compromise agreements validly executed by parties are encouraged and binding, provided they are not contrary to law, morals, or public policy.