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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Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Serious Misconduct: Due Process in Termination Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when employers may forfeit retirement benefits for serious misconduct and what due process requires in termination.
One-Day Late Appeal in Labor Cases: When Courts Excuse Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules a one-day late appeal in labor cases may be excused to serve justice, explaining the exception to the mandatory appeal period.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
Substitution of Evidence: Balancing Justice and Procedural Rules in Contract Disputes
When a bank filed a collection suit with an altered surety agreement, the Supreme Court ruled on substituting evidence and amending pleadings.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Adherence to COMELEC Rules on Filing Fees
The Supreme Court underscores that failure to pay the correct appeal fee within the reglementary period is fatal to an election appeal before the COMELEC.
Forum Shopping One Wrongful ACT One Legal Remedy Only
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on forum shopping, one wrongful act, and the single legal remedy rule in civil procedure.
Breach of Trust and Misappropriation of Funds Justify Dismissal in Electric Cooperative
Supreme Court rules that misappropriating collections and gross negligence are valid causes for dismissing employees of an electric cooperative.
Rape of a Minor: Upholding a Child Victim's Testimony in Statutory Rape Cases
In People v. Lazaro, the Supreme Court affirmed a statutory rape conviction, showing how child testimony, medical evidence, and settled doctrine sustain a guilty verdict.
The Binding Nature of Counsel's Negligence: Upholding Procedural Rules in Labor Appeals
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed appeal bond requirements and procedural rules in labor cases, balancing technicalities with substantial justice.
Land Registration: Proving Open Continuous Possession Since 1945
How the Supreme Court applied Section 14(1) of the Property Registration Decree to confirm title through open, continuous possession since June 12, 1945.
Separate Convictions for Drug Sale and Possession: Protecting Public Safety and Upholding the Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that selling and possessing illegal drugs are distinct crimes, each carrying its own penalty under Philippine law.
Surety Bond Validity: The Impact of Accreditation on Appeal Perfection in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a surety bond remains valid if the bonding company was accredited at the time of issuance, affecting labor appeal perfection.
Indigency Status Corporations Cannot Claim FEE Exemption Despite Aiding THE Poor
Philippine Supreme Court rules corporations cannot claim indigent litigant fee exemptions, even when serving the poor. Learn the legal basis.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court affirms that positive identification by credible witnesses outweighs the defense of alibi in establishing guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Rape Conviction Upheld: The Law Protects Vulnerable Children
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a man for statutory rape of an 11-year-old girl, clarifying key rules on carnal knowledge and penalties.
Treachery Defined: How Surprise Attacks Determine Murder Convictions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how sudden, unexpected attacks constitute treachery, qualifying a killing as murder under Philippine law.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: When the Government Takes Property Without Filing a Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation, consequential damages, and attorney's fees when government takes private property without expropriation proceedings.
Chain of Custody Imperative: Safeguarding Drug Evidence Integrity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, stressing the need to immediately mark seized drugs.
Limits of Abuse of Superior Strength: Redefining Attempted Homicide in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when abuse of superior strength qualifies a crime, reducing a conviction from attempted murder to attempted homicide.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Navigating Mining Disputes When Courts NOT Arbitrators Decide Contract Validity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Mining Disputes and Contract Validity: When Courts Take Over From Arbitrators
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the Panel of Arbitrators, have jurisdiction over mining contract disputes.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails Safeguarding Against Child Abuse Accusations
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a barangay tanod of child abuse, emphasizing that proof beyond reasonable doubt must anchor convictions.