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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Resignation and Administrative Cases in the Philippines: What Andutan Teaches Us
Can a resigned public official still face administrative cases? The Supreme Court's Andutan ruling clarifies the limits of Ombudsman jurisdiction.
When a Justice Transfers: Promulgation of Sandiganbayan Decisions and New Trial Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Sandiganbayan decision is valid despite a ponente's transfer, and tightens the rules on new trials.
Judicial Impartiality and Avoiding Impropriety in Cases Involving Relatives
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's transfer affects decision validity and the rules on new trial grounds in criminal cases.
Reckless Driving and Road Accidents: Understanding Liability in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on reckless imprudence clarifies when a driver is criminally liable for a road accident. Learn the rules.
Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines: Why Possession Beats Ownership in Ejectment Cases
In ejectment cases, physical possession matters more than ownership. Learn the rule from Barrientos v. Rapal.
Bouncing Checks LAW Restructuring Agreements DO NOT Automatically Extinguish Criminal Liability
A restructuring agreement does not automatically extinguish criminal liability for bouncing checks. Learn the legal distinction.
Docket Fees and Substantial Justice: When Technicalities Take a Backseat
The Supreme Court relaxed the strict docket-fee rule in Heirs of Reinoso v. Court of Appeals, ruling that procedure must not defeat the merits of a case.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Liability in Maritime Charters: Who Pays When the Ship Goes Down
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears liability when a chartered vessel sinks, applying the Civil Code over the Code of Commerce.
Unlawful Wealth Ombudsmans Power TO Investigate Forfeiture Cases Before 1986
Ethical Boundaries for Public Officials: Soliciting Loans and Conflict of Interest
Public officials cannot solicit loans from entities they regulate, even if they are cooperative members. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
Loan Contract Perfection and Mortgage Validity: Insights from Palada v. Solidbank
When is a loan contract perfected, and what makes a real estate mortgage valid? The Supreme Court clarifies in Palada v. Solidbank.
Breach of Public Trust: Mayor Held Liable for Unwarranted Benefits in BOT Contract
A mayor's conviction for violating the Anti-Graft Law in awarding a P240M BOT project to an unqualified contractor, explained in plain language.
Compromise Agreements: A Strategic Tool to Nullify Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Litigation
How a compromise agreement can render preliminary attachment cases moot, dissolve writs, and end litigation under Philippine law.
Lost Your Appeal? Timelines and Procedures in Philippine Corporate Rehabilitation Cases
Learn the strict appeal rules in corporate rehabilitation cases from BPI Family Savings Bank v. Pryce Gases, including the record on appeal requirement.
Finality of Judgments: Why Second Motions for Reconsideration Are Not Allowed in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts generally bar second motions for reconsideration. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why finality matters.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
When Barangay Conciliation Delays Summary Procedure: A Lesson from Diaz v. Gestopa
A judge's referral of an unlawful detainer case to barangay conciliation violated the Rules on Summary Procedure, resulting in administrative liability.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Forgive Minor Procedural Lapses
Philippine courts prioritize substantial justice over procedural technicalities, but only for parties who followed the rules. Learn when lapses are forgiven.
Due Process and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Litigation
The Supreme Court explains why failing to implead an indispensable party voids a judgment and violates due process in property disputes.
Appeal Bond Reduction in NLRC: Navigating Financial Hardship in Labor Disputes
When can an employer reduce the NLRC appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on meritorious grounds and financial hardship.
Substantial Compliance with Procedural Rules: Santos v. Litton Mills and the Primacy of Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes procedural rules when there is substantial compliance, ensuring justice prevails over technicalities in labor cases.