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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Breach of Trust vs Estafa: Delineating Fiduciary Duty in Investment Transactions
When does an investment house's failure to return funds become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between fiduciary duty and mere debtor-creditor relations.
Positive Identification Trumps Alibi: The Value of Credible Witness Testimony
A child witness's positive identification of an accused outweighs the defense of alibi, the Supreme Court ruled in People v. Delpino.
Dismissal for Loss of Trust and Confidence: Clear Proof and Due Process Are Essential
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring clear evidence and proper procedure.
Estafa Liability of Corporate Officers for Actions of Agents in Securities Trading
Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for estafa in securities trading and investment transactions.
Resignation With Assurance: Enforceability of Separation Pay Agreements in Voluntary Resignations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a voluntary resignation with a promised separation pay creates an enforceable obligation on the employer.
Protecting Minors: Stepfather's Breach of Trust and the Crime of Statutory Rape
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a stepfather for statutory rape of his 11-year-old stepdaughter, explaining the elements of the crime and the penalties involved.
Derivative Suits vs Corporate Liquidation: Protecting Corporate Assets and Stockholder Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between derivative suits and corporate liquidation proceedings in stockholder disputes.
Finality of Tax Assessments: Why Collection Efforts Don't Reopen Tax Disputes
When do collection letters and lawsuits reopen settled tax assessments? The Supreme Court clarifies in Pilipinas Shell v. Commissioner of Customs.
Boundary Disputes and Local Autonomy: Clarifying Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies which body settles boundary disputes between LGUs in Metro Manila, and when courts may intervene.
Breach of Trust Justifies Dismissal Safeguarding Employer Confidence in Managerial Roles
Learn when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing managerial employees under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Timeliness Gives WAY TO Equitable Outcomes
When a one-day delay in filing a motion could have cost a complainant his civil claim, the Supreme Court showed when equity may prevail over strict procedural rules.
Tenant Rights Consent AND Sharing Requirements IN Agricultural Land Disputes
When is a land dispute agrarian or civil? The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction and the rules on tenancy.
Forcible Entry: Prior Physical Possession Is the Decisive Factor
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases hinge on prior physical possession, not tax declarations or ownership claims.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Control Test in Consultancy Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when a consultant is an independent contractor, not an employee, using the four-fold test and control test.
Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes: Agrarian Reform vs Civil Action
Supreme Court clarifies when property disputes fall under regular courts rather than DARAB, using jurisdictional rules.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
CSC Disciplinary Power Over State University Employees Affirmed Despite Board Autonomy
Supreme Court affirms CSC's authority to discipline state university employees, clarifying that board autonomy does not divest the Commission of jurisdiction.
Oath of Office Defines Authority: Upholding Appointments Before Succession in Public Office
When does an outgoing official lose appointing power? The Supreme Court rules on oath, succession, and valid promotions.
Gross Negligence and Employee Termination: When One Mistake Justifies Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a single act of gross negligence can be a valid just cause for terminating a regular employee.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Perfected Contract to Sell vs Cancellation for Default: Lessons from Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison
When is a contract to sell perfected, and when can a seller cancel it for default? The Supreme Court clarifies in Traders Royal Bank v. Cuison.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Victim's Testimony and Weak Defenses of Denial and Alibi
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a credible victim's testimony suffices and that denial and alibi are weak defenses.
Warrant of Arrest Stands: Court Power Prevails Over DOJ Review
Supreme Court rules a judge's exclusive power to issue warrants of arrest cannot be suspended by a pending DOJ petition for review.