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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Worthless Checks and Accommodation Liability Under B.P. Blg. 22 Despite Lack of Direct Transaction
The Supreme Court clarifies that issuing a bouncing check—even as an accommodation for another—can still lead to criminal liability under B.P. Blg. 22.
Written Notice of Dishonor Is Essential in B.P. 22 Cases: Bax v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies that oral demands do not suffice—written notice of dishonor is required to convict under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Distinguishing Employees From Independent Contractors: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains the control test for distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor law disputes.
Writ of Possession Ministerial After Foreclosure, But Not Against Non-Parties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that writ of possession is ministerial after foreclosure consolidation, but cannot oust compulsory heirs who were not parties to the foreclosure.
Mutuality of Contracts: The Limits of Unilateral Interest Rate Adjustments in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks cannot unilaterally raise loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing mutuality of contracts.
Subleasing Prohibitions: Joint Venture vs Lease Agreement Distinctions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a sublease violates a lease contract's prohibition, and why labeling an agreement a "joint venture" may not save it.
Treachery and Positive Identification in Violent Crimes: People v. Alabado
How the Supreme Court upheld murder and frustrated murder convictions based on positive identification and treachery in People v. Alabado.
Writ of Possession Protecting Heirs' Rights in Undivided Estates
Learn how the Supreme Court protects compulsory heirs when a foreclosed property is subject to a writ of possession in an undivided estate.
Ejectment and Sublease Violations: Service of Notices and Counsel of Record Rules
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on ejectment, sublease prohibitions, and why notices must be served on counsel of record in Philippine cases.
Judicial Accountability: The Consequences of Delay in Resolving Court Matters
The Supreme Court fined a judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving a motion, underscoring that justice delayed is justice denied.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing independent contractors from employees in labor disputes, using a restroom concessionaire case.
Proof Beyond Suspicion: Upholding Due Process in Administrative Dishonesty Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative charges like dishonesty require substantial evidence, not mere speculation. Learn the standard of proof.
Upholding Arbitration Ciac Jurisdiction Over Construction Disputes Despite Contractual Nuances
Withdrawal of Appeal in Reclusion Perpetua Cases: Discretion and Executive Clemency
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclusion perpetua cases are not subject to mandatory review, allowing appellants to withdraw their appeals.
Shared Intent Shared Liability Understanding Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law
Learn how conspiracy works in Philippine criminal law, when co-accused share liability, and what the Supreme Court says about proving a common design.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Non-Compliance with RA 9165 Is Not Fatal
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 custody rules won't invalidate drug evidence, and why objections must be raised at trial.
Reinstatement to the Bar: Redemption and the Privilege to Practice Law
The Supreme Court grants a disbarred lawyer's plea for reinstatement after 15 years, explaining the standards for return to the bar.
Upholding the Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Pringas
The Supreme Court clarifies that non-compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165 is not fatal if the integrity of seized drugs is preserved.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Finality of DAR Decisions: Balancing Due Process and Timeliness in Agrarian Reform
When do DAR decisions become final? The Supreme Court clarifies the balance between due process and the 15-day appeal period in agrarian cases.
Executive Power vs Legislative Authority: Reorganizing Government Agencies in the Philippines
The Supreme Court upholds the President's power to reorganize executive agencies, clarifying the limits of executive authority under the Constitution.
Gambling in the Workplace: Defining Ethical Conduct for Public Servants
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when gambling during office hours becomes a dismissible offense for public employees and sets ethical standards.
Court Employee Fined for Gambling During Office Hours: A Lesson in Judicial Ethics
The Supreme Court fined a court clerk for gambling during office hours, underscoring the high ethical standards required of judiciary employees.
Computing Prescriptive Periods: Calendar Months vs Fixed Days in Tax Refund Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies how to compute the two-year prescriptive period for tax refund claims under the National Internal Revenue Code.