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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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.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Sudden Attacks Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery in murder cases, affirming that attacking a defenseless victim who is grappling with another constitutes treachery.
Treachery in Criminal Law: When an Unsuspecting Victim Becomes the Target
The Supreme Court explains how treachery qualifies a killing as murder, using a billiards dispute that ended in a fatal stabbing.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Facebook Posts Lead to Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality, Suspends Him From Law Practice
A judge's extramarital affair leads to dismissal from service and three-year suspension from law practice, reaffirming strict ethical standards.
When Working Conditions Worsen Ailments Entitlement TO Employee Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court rules on employee compensation when working conditions increase the risk of contracting an ailment.
Election Protests and the Five-Day Rule: Why Timely Appeals Matter in Barangay Election Cases
A Supreme Court ruling shows why a late motion for reconsideration in a barangay election protest can be fatal, even when the merits seem strong.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: What Philippine Employees Must Prove
When is a resignation forced? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in constructive dismissal cases under Philippine labor law.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Lessons from Pfizer v. Galan
A 2007 Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a lawyer's procedural lapse binds the client in labor disputes and when courts may relax the rules.
Revival of Judgment and Venue: When Real Property Interests Determine the Proper Court
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on where to file an action to revive a judgment involving real property, and why venue depends on the nature of the underlying action.
Upholding Labor Rights: The Limits of Loss of Trust in Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence cannot justify employee dismissal without clear, proven basis.
Probable Cause in Estafa Through Falsification: DOJ Discretion Upheld in Go v. Court of Appeals
Supreme Court affirms DOJ's withdrawal of estafa charges, upholding prosecutorial discretion absent grave abuse and technical rules on appeals.
Security of Tenure: Proving Tenancy Rights in Agricultural Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy cannot be presumed; all six elements must be proven for security of tenure.
When Limited Liability Doesnt Shield a Shipowner: The Aboitiz Shipping Ruling
Explaining when a shipowner's limited liability defense fails, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Aboitiz Shipping v. New India Assurance.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim Testimony and Immediate Reporting Matter
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction, stressing that credible victim testimony and prompt reporting outweigh the accused's unsupported "sweetheart defense."
Finality of Judgment and the Limits of Appellate Review in Philippine Courts
When can courts revisit decided cases? The Supreme Court explains finality of judgment, appellate jurisdiction, and contract to sell rules.
Untimely Appeal: The Finality of COMELEC Decisions and the Importance of Timely Filing
The Supreme Court affirms that a motion for reconsideration filed beyond the five-day period before the COMELEC is dismissible, underscoring the strict observance of procedural deadlines in election c
Contract to Sell vs Contract of Sale: How Ownership Transfers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the key difference between a contract to sell and a contract of sale, and when property ownership actually transfers.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.
Judicial Accountability: Timeliness and Accreditation Rules for Legal Publications
Supreme Court fines judge for undue delay and violating accreditation rules for legal publications under A.M. No. 01-1-07-SC.
Dismissal for Falsifying Time Records: Court Interpreter's Act of Punching a Colleague's Time Card
Court interpreter dismissed for punching a colleague's time card. The Supreme Court rules such acts are falsification and dishonesty, grave offenses warranting dismissal.
Lawyer Disbarred for Accepting Private Cases and Fees While in Government Service
Supreme Court disbars PAO lawyer for taking private cases and attorney's fees, violating ethical rules and deceiving a client.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Accountability in Disbarment Cases
Supreme Court denies disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen final judgment, citing immutability doctrine and imposing contempt for non-compliance.