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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Loss of Trust and Confidence in Philippine Labor Law: When Dismissal Becomes Illegal
Philippine labor law requires employers to prove willful breach of trust before dismissing employees. This case explains the standard.
Attorney-in-Fact Can Sign Forum Shopping Cert; Ejectment Rules Explained
SC rules attorney-in-fact may sign certification against forum shopping in ejectment suits; explains unlawful detainer rules, demand, and ownership.
SALN Omissions and Simple Negligence in Government Service: The Pleyto Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a public official's failure to disclose a spouse's business interests in the SALN amounts to simple negligence, not dishonesty.
When Prohibition Fails: Understanding the Limits of Extraordinary Writs in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may be used despite a pending information, and how fair reporting protects the press from libel.
Dominancy Test Prevails in Philippine Trademark Infringement Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that the dominancy test governs trademark infringement, focusing on dominant features rather than overall differences.
Where Can a Mortgage Be Foreclosed in the Philippines? Venue Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies venue and scope of extrajudicial foreclosure, including what happens when a mortgage covers only part of a loan.
Credible Testimony Prevails Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Lack of Medical Evidence
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence of penetration is not indispensable.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Justice for Child Rape Victims in the Philippines
A look at People v. Otos, where the Supreme Court affirmed a child rape conviction, clarifying the role of medical evidence and victim testimony.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Burden of Proof and Just Cause Explained
The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when loss of trust and confidence is a valid just cause.
Surety Agreements in the Philippines: Understanding Liability Limits and Payment Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies surety liability caps, payment evidence, and when obligations are extinguished under Article 2054.
Robbery With Homicide and Conspiracy: Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies liability for robbery with homicide, conspiracy, and penalties under Article 294 of the Revised Penal Code.
Protecting Press Freedom Understanding Libel and Fair Reporting in Philippine Media Law
Explore the boundaries of libel and fair reporting in Philippine media law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Angeles v. Gaite.
Judicial Delay Consequences and Remedies in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial delay, its consequences for litigants, and the remedies available to address unreasonable case postponements.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Forum Shopping and Substitute Pleadings: Dismissal Without Prejudice in Philippine Courts
Understand when refiling a case after dismissal is allowed and when a substitute complaint supersedes the original.
When Can a Bank's Foreclosure Sale Be Nullified? Philippine Rules Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a bank's foreclosure sale is valid or void, and what happens when a bank collects beyond what the mortgage covers.
Moral Conduct in Public Service: Upholding Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of libel complaint against prosecutor who questioned a judge's moral fitness in official pleadings.
Protecting Your Property From Confiscation: Third Party Claims in Philippine Criminal Cases
Learn how third parties can protect property from confiscation in Philippine criminal cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Sea Lion Fishing Corporation.
When Does DARAB Have Jurisdiction Over Agrarian Disputes? The Bagongahasa Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation cases, emphasizing the need for an agrarian dispute involving tenancy relations.
Can Landowners Force Water Disconnection for Informal Settlers? Supreme Court Says No
The Supreme Court ruled landowners cannot compel water utilities to disconnect services to informal settlers, balancing property rights with essential services.
Contempt of Court for Disobeying Supreme Court Orders: The PGBI v. Comelec Case
When the Comelec ignored a Supreme Court status quo order on party-list inclusion, the Court held it in contempt—explaining the limits of obedience.
Exclusive Franchises and Public Utilities: Constitutional Limits in the Philippines
The Supreme Court struck down Section 47 of PD 198 as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exclusive franchises for public utilities are prohibited by the Constitution.
Party-List Registration and Religious Affiliation: COMELEC's Jurisdiction Explained
When can COMELEC cancel a party-list's registration for being a religious front, and when does the HRET take over? The Supreme Court clarifies.
When a Court Order Is Ignored: Comelec Held in Contempt in Philippine Guardians Brotherhood Case
The Supreme Court held the Comelec in contempt for defying a status quo order in a party-list case, a reminder that all government bodies must obey court directives.