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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Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining Limits and Upholding Accountability
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes habitual tardiness in government service and why traffic is not a valid excuse.
Overseas Litigants and the Verification Requirement: Balancing Rules With Reality
The Supreme Court rules that a variance in dates between a petition and its verification is not fatal when overseas litigants act in good faith.
Defining Employer When Family Administration Creates Social Security Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a family member managing a hacienda becomes an "employer" liable for SSS contributions.
Philippine Airlines Retrenchment: Proving Financial Distress and Fair Implementation
The Supreme Court ruled PAL's 1998 mass retrenchment illegal for failure to prove losses and use fair criteria. Here's what employers must show.
Dual Roles, Divided Loyalties: Graft Law and the Limits of Hypothetical Guilt
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer can be charged with graft for holding incompatible positions and collecting dual compensation.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Negligence and Delay in Legal Proceedings
A Supreme Court ruling holds court officers accountable for gross negligence and delay, affirming that retirement does not erase administrative liability.
False Promises and Financial Ruin: Establishing Estafa Through Deceit in Investment Schemes
The Supreme Court affirms that luring investors with false profit promises constitutes estafa, even when the accused claims ignorance of the scheme.
Tenancy vs. Administration: Who Decides Agricultural Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts or agrarian tribunals hear land disputes, distinguishing tenancy from mere administration.
Recomputation of Retirement Benefits: Step Increments and Special Allowances for Retired Justices
The Supreme Court clarifies that step increments and special allowances form part of the basic monthly salary base for computing judicial retirement benefits.
Unlawful Appointments: Does Temporary Disqualification Mean Lack of Legal Qualification?
Supreme Court clarifies that temporary disqualification of losing candidates constitutes lack of legal qualification under Article 244, RPC.
No Back Salaries for Government Employees Dismissed in Good Faith: Protecting Public Funds
Supreme Court rules government employees dismissed in good faith are not entitled to back salaries upon reinstatement, upholding Octot v. Ybañez.
Dismissal for Grave Misconduct: Upholding Ethical Standards in Public Procurement
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of BFP regional director for grave misconduct in anomalous procurement, stressing public officers' duty to follow procurement rules.
When Can Power Generators Be Exempted from Power Delivery Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when independent power producers may be exempt from Power Delivery Service charges for ancillary services.
Circumstantial Evidence and Conviction: The Nover Bryan Salvador Case
When can circumstantial evidence alone convict an accused? The Supreme Court explains in this landmark Philippine homicide case.
Dual Citizens and Elective Office: The Sworn Renunciation Requirement Under R.A. 9225
Dual citizens must personally renounce foreign citizenship to run for office. The Supreme Court explains the rule.
Dual Citizens Must Personally Renounce Foreign Citizenship to Run for Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on R.A. 9225: dual citizens must execute a personal and sworn renunciation of foreign citizenship to run for elective office.
Moonlighting and Employee Dismissal: Defining the Boundaries of Trust and Confidence
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when moonlighting justifies dismissal and how loss of trust and confidence must be proven.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer's Burden to Prove Just Cause and the Finality of Judgments
A look at Pasiona v. CA, where the Supreme Court ruled on illegal dismissal, just cause, and the binding effect of counsel's negligence.
Finality of Judgments: Landowners Entitled to Timely Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
A look at the Supreme Court ruling on finality of judgments and the right of landowners to prompt just compensation under agrarian reform.
Contractual Retirement Plans Prevail Defining Salary in Employee Benefit Agreements
Supreme Court rules that company retirement plans define salary base for benefits, and R.A. 7641 only applies when no plan exists or benefits fall below legal minimums.
Leasehold vs Share Tenancy: Failure to Pay Rent Is Not Estafa Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court clarifies that agricultural leasehold tenants who fail to pay rent cannot be prosecuted for estafa, unlike share tenants.
Finality of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Deny Due Process
A dismissed employee's late appeal fails as the Supreme Court upholds finality of judgment despite counsel's negligence.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Four-Fold Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test distinguishing independent contractors from employers in labor disputes involving job contracting arrangements.
Heirship and Filiation: Proving Inheritance Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving filiation through baptismal certificates and the rights of heirs in property disputes.