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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Year-End Benefits in Government Agencies: Balancing Statutory Limits and Employee Welfare
Supreme Court ruling on year-end benefits for government board members and consultants, balancing statutory limits with good faith.
Broken Chains: Why Strict Evidence Procedures Matter in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody and non-compliance with Section 21, R.A. 9165.
Rape or Child Abuse? How the Supreme Court Draws the Line Under RA 7610
In People v. Abay, the Supreme Court clarified when sexual abuse of a minor is prosecuted as rape and when it falls under RA 7610.
Property Rights in Relationships: Protecting Filipino Land Ownership From Alien Acquisition
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an Austrian's Filipino girlfriend could keep land registered in her name despite his payment and later assignment to a Filipino buyer.
Confession as Evidence Overcoming Hearsay in Robbery With Homicide and Carnapping Convictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's confession to a witness is admissible evidence, not hearsay, in robbery with homicide and carnapping cases.
Good Faith and Land Sales: Protecting the True Landowner in Philippine Property Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that Torrens titles are not proof of ownership, and that a Filipino buyer can cure a flawed land sale from an alien.
Supreme Court Justice Held Liable for Leaking Confidential Draft Decision
The Supreme Court ruled that a Justice who leaks an unpromulgated decision breaches confidentiality and undermines judicial integrity.
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: When Estafa Is Proven Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court clarifies when issuing bouncing checks amounts to estafa, and why a spouse is not automatically guilty by association.
Silence Isn't Always Acquiescence: Child Rape Victims and the Validity of Delayed Reporting in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that delayed reporting by child rape victims does not weaken credibility, explaining why silence is not acquiescence.
Dual Citizenship and Electoral Eligibility: Clarifying the Requirements for Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that dual citizens by birth may run for public office by merely filing a certificate of candidacy, without renouncing foreign citizenship.
Jurisdiction Over Arbitral Awards: The Role of Regional Trial Courts in PCHC Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that PCHC rules cannot vest RTCs with jurisdiction to review arbitral awards; proper remedies explained.
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Failing to Comply With Court Orders
Supreme Court clarifies that judges who ignore Court directives face administrative sanctions, even if underlying complaints lack merit.
Reconveyance Actions and Good Faith: Clarifying Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains res judicata and good faith in reconveyance actions, protecting banks that rely on court-issued titles.
Navigating Appeals: Jurisdictional Errors and Lost Rights in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on res judicata, indispensable parties, and mortgagee good faith in property disputes.
Retrenchment Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee Protection During Economic Downturns
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, what criteria employers may use, and what employees can expect during economic downturns.
Redundancy Programs Upholding Employer Rights IN Employee Dismissal
Supreme Court affirms employer's right to contract out work during business exigencies, clarifying limits of unfair labor practice claims.
Psychological Incapacity Reassessing Marital Nullity Under Article 36 of the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 need not fit rigid molds, urging a case-by-case, totality-of-circumstances approach.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Disciplining Court Employees for Unprofessional Behavior
The Supreme Court reminds court employees that courtesy and self-restraint are duties of public service, disciplining two sheriffs for verbal abuse of a litigant.
Importation vs Transshipment: When Seized Goods Cannot Be Released Under Bond
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when transshipment claims fail and seized goods cannot be released under bond due to fraud.
Failure to Prosecute: When Dismissal Is Too Severe a Sanction
Explaining when courts may relax procedural rules on failure to prosecute, based on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Contingent Attorneys Fees When ARE They Enforceable
When are contingent attorney's fees enforceable in Philippine labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules in Masmud v. NLRC.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting and when a principal becomes the true employer of contractual workers.
Judicial Misconduct and Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases
A judge was suspended for soliciting P100,000 to fix cases. The Supreme Court explains the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases.
Senate Authority vs Individual Rights: Defining Limits of Legislative Inquiries in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of Senate inquiry powers in Dela Paz v. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, balancing legislative authority with individual rights.