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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Breach of Trust vs Due Process: When Dismissed Employees Get Separation Pay in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, distinguishing just causes under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissing an employee for just cause still requires procedural due process, or the employer pays nominal damages.
Just Cause Dismissal Still Requires Due Process: Nominal Damages for Twin-Notice Violation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that even valid dismissals for just cause require the twin-notice rule; failure to comply merits nominal damages.
Gross Negligence in Cash Advances Is Breach of Public Trust: Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan
Public officials who approve irregular cash advances face graft liability. The Supreme Court explains gross negligence, bad faith, and conspiracy in Bacasmas v. Sandiganbayan.
Breach of Trust Convicting a Father for the Qualified Rape of His Daughter
The Supreme Court affirms a father's conviction for eight counts of qualified rape, explaining how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape.
When the Charge and Conviction Differ: Estafa, Due Process, and the Information
The Supreme Court explains when a conviction for estafa under a different paragraph than charged is valid, and why the facts in the Information matter most.
Upholding the Ombudsman's Authority: Enforceability of Decisions Pending Appeal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions remain enforceable despite pending appeals, balancing administrative discipline with due process.
Corporate Control vs Government Sequestration: Defining Jurisdiction in Intra-Corporate Disputes
When a sequestered corporation faces an intra-corporate dispute, which court has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Corporate Authority and Double Taxation: Lessons from Swedish Match Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authority in tax refund cases and double taxation under local business tax ordinances.
When a Single Witness Suffices: Murder Conviction Upheld on Credible Testimony
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction based on a lone eyewitness's credible testimony, clarifying rules on treachery and damages.
Mistake vs Misconduct in Employee Dismissal: Due Process in Philippine Labor Law
When is an employee's honest mistake a valid ground for dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between error and misconduct.
Privacy Beyond Residence: Surveillance Cameras and the Right to Be Let Alone
The Supreme Court expands the right to privacy beyond residences, holding that business premises and property enjoy protection from intrusive video surveillance.
Falsification of Commercial Documents: When a Bank Manager Faces Estafa Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bank manager who forges documents and misappropriates funds is liable for the complex crime of estafa through falsification of commercial documents.
Circumstantial Evidence Can Sustain a Rape with Homicide Conviction — People v. De la Cruz
Philippine courts can convict of rape with homicide based on circumstantial evidence alone when the circumstances form an unbroken chain pointing to the accused.
Dismissal for Dishonesty Upheld: PAGCOR Dealers' Craps Fraud Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of PAGCOR dealers for serious dishonesty in rigged craps game, clarifying administrative due process rules.
Breach of Company Policy in Employee Termination: Due Process Lessons from SURNECO v. Gonzaga
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that violating your own company procedure during dismissal can cost an employer P30,000 in nominal damages even if the dismissal is valid.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from defective tax sales and uphold due process in property forfeiture cases.
THE Binding Nature OF Undertakings Return OF Excess Payment IN Maritime Employment Disputes
A Chain of Circumstances: Proving Robbery with Homicide Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court upheld a robbery with homicide conviction built on circumstantial evidence after rejecting a flawed line-up and a coerced confession.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Moral Ascendancy IN Familial Rape Cases When A Fathers Authority Replaces Physical Force
Claim Denied Strict Compliance Required FOR Local TAX Refund Claims IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on local tax refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with procedural requirements and the consequences of non-compliance.
Teacher Discipline and Due Process: Grave Misconduct in Philippine Schools
A teacher's physical punishment of a student constitutes grave misconduct, but mitigating factors can temper the penalty of dismissal.
Erosion of Public Trust: Dismissal for Graft and Corruption in the Judiciary
A process server's dismissal for soliciting money from litigants underscores the strict accountability of court personnel in the Philippines.