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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Retirement Benefits and Voluntary Resignation: Clarifying Eligibility Under Philippine Law
Can resignation save retirement benefits after administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture rules for public officers.
Navigating Legislative Inquiries Upholding Senate Authority IN Corporate Mismanagement Probes
Enforced Disappearance and State Complicity: The Amparo Writ's Core Requirement
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of amparo requires proof of state involvement in enforced disappearances, not just evidence that a person is missing.
Demolition Without Due Notice: The Limits of Official Action and Graft Prosecution
A look at when demolition without notice crosses the line into criminal liability, and the legal safeguards against official overreach.
When a Lease Isn't a Lease: Clarifying Rights in Market Stall Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the distinction between leasehold rights and ownership of improvements in market stall transactions under Philippine law.
When an Employee's Unauthorized Acts Justify Dismissal: Meralco v. Dejan
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's unauthorized release of company property constitutes serious misconduct and loss of trust, justifying termination.
Finality of Judgments and Why Proper Appeals Matter in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on bid price inadequacy, deficiency recovery, and why timely appeals protect final judgments.
Custodia Legis: Ensuring Impartial Custody of Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court affirms that trial courts may order physical turnover of agrarian reform deposits to the clerk of court for custodia legis, ensuring impartial custody pending final valuation.
Altering Court Orders: When Court Personnel Commit Dishonesty
A court legal researcher altered a judge's order after retirement. The Supreme Court ruled on dishonesty and penalties for court personnel.
Litis Pendentia vs. Separate Causes of Action: A Philippine Civil Law Primer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two suits involve the same cause of action, distinguishing litis pendentia from separate proceedings.
Circumstantial Evidence Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Murder Cases
When direct evidence is lacking, circumstantial evidence can convict. The Supreme Court explains the rules in People v. Biglete.
When an Agent Exceeds Authority: Surety Bonds and the Limits of Apparent Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is liable for an agent's unauthorized surety bond, and when third persons must verify authority.
Age Matters: Distinguishing Sexual Abuse from Rape Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sexual act against a minor is sexual abuse under RA 7610 versus statutory rape under the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Judicial Authority: Disciplinary Action for Sheriff's Insubordination
A sheriff's duty to execute writs is ministerial, but ignoring court directives constitutes gross insubordination, warranting disciplinary action.
Age Discrepancies in Statutory Rape: Reassessing Penalties Under Special Laws and the Revised Penal Code
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child victim's age determines whether an offender is charged with statutory rape or sexual abuse under RA 7610.
Ratification Validates Unauthorized Acts: Agency Law in Philippine Mortgages
Explaining how ratification under Philippine law validates an agent's unauthorized mortgage acts, as ruled in Prieto v. Court of Appeals.
Rape of a Person with Mental Retardation: What People v. Bayrante Teaches
In People v. Bayrante, the Supreme Court affirmed rape convictions where the victim had mild mental retardation, ruling that mental deficiency negates consent.
Upholding Decorum: Disrespectful Conduct by Court Personnel and Its Consequences
The Supreme Court rules on discourtesy by court personnel, emphasizing that respect and propriety are non-negotiable in the judiciary.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
Trust Receipts vs Loans: Distinguishing Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between trust receipts and loan obligations, and the legal consequences for banks and borrowers.
Misleading the Court and Defying Suspension Orders: A Lesson in Legal Ethics
A lawyer's suspension from practice is not a mere suggestion. Learn how the Supreme Court disciplined a lawyer for misleading the court and appearing while suspended.
Loss of Confidence as Just Cause: Employee Dismissal Despite Criminal Acquittal
Can an employer fire an employee acquitted of theft? Yes, if substantial evidence supports loss of confidence. Learn the rule.
Just Compensation IN Agrarian Reform Valuing Land AT THE Time OF Taking
Breach of Trust: Employer May Dismiss for Misconduct Despite Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that an employee's acquittal in a criminal case does not bar dismissal for loss of trust and confidence.