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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Double Jeopardy: When a Gun Ban Violation Precludes Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban violation bars a separate illegal possession of firearms charge under RA 8294.
Workplace Remarks and Dismissal: When Is It Serious Misconduct in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee remarks during union meetings constitute serious misconduct warranting dismissal.
When a Gun Ban Charge Does Not Bar Illegal Possession of Firearms: Celino v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban charge prevents prosecution for illegal possession of firearms under R.A. 8294.
Joint vs Solidary Obligations: What the Supreme Court Says About Liability in Contracts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when multiple debtors are only jointly liable, not solidarily liable, under Philippine contract law.
Dismissal Disputes: Protecting Depositors From Illegal Dismissal Claims in Corporate Crises
The Supreme Court shields depositors who temporarily manage a distressed bank from personal liability for illegal dismissal claims, clarifying employer-employee relationships.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings
When can a court issue a TRO in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules on temporary restraining orders and judicial discretion.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Misconduct vs. Serious Misconduct: Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Explaining the difference between misconduct and serious misconduct as grounds for dismissal under Philippine labor law, using a Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Seafarer Rights: Why Proper Documentation Is Key in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Learn how proper documentation protects seafarer rights in illegal dismissal cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Writ of Possession and Third-Party Rights: Protecting Possessory Interests in Foreclosure Sales
When can a foreclosure sale purchaser evict a third-party possessor? The Supreme Court explains limits on writs of possession.
Counsel Negligence vs Extrinsic Fraud: Protecting Rights in Philippine Criminal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's negligence amounts to extrinsic fraud in criminal cases, and why annulment of judgment is not available.
Intellectual Property Rights and the Scope of Search Warrants in Trademark Infringement Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined the proper scope of search warrants in trademark infringement cases involving intellectual property rights.
Intent vs Action: Differentiating Attempted From Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a stabbing is attempted, not frustrated, murder—and why the subjective phase matters.
Upholding Final Judgments: The Limits of Annulment Based on Negligence
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 47 annulment of judgment does not apply to criminal cases, and counsel's negligence is not extrinsic fraud.
Res Judicata and Anti-Graft Cases: When Prior Dismissals Bar Prosecution
The Supreme Court ruled that a final dismissal of a behest-loan complaint bars a later anti-graft prosecution over the same transaction, even against officials not named in the first case.
When Is Employee Misconduct Serious Enough for Dismissal? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee misconduct justifies dismissal, and when it is too minor a penalty. Learn the rules.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for P1.04M Shortage in Court Funds
Supreme Court dismisses Clerk of Court for P1.04M cash shortage, ruling dishonesty and grave misconduct warrant removal even if employee is AWOL.
Illegal Strike Penalties: Union Officers' Dismissal Upheld in PILTEA Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of union officers who staged illegal strike despite Labor Secretary's assumption order and procedural violations.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
Succession Rights vs NHA Discretion: Resolving Land Disputes After Death
When a land awardee dies, can a government agency bypass heirs and award property to another? The Supreme Court says no.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.
Developer's Duty to Maintain Subdivision Streetlights Until Turnover
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies developer obligations for subdivision streetlight maintenance and electricity costs until turnover to local government.