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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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.
Finality Prevails WHY Untimely Appeals Foreclose Legal Challenges IN Retirement Benefit Disputes
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Certiorari Requirements Balancing Access to Justice and Procedural Rules
Court rules on clerk of court's dismissal for fund shortages, balancing procedural rules with access to justice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Theft Is Consummated Upon Taking: Debunking the Myth of Frustrated Theft
The Supreme Court clarifies that theft is consummated the moment the offender takes property with intent to gain, even if later apprehended.
Direct vs Indirect Contempt: When Courts Must Hold a Hearing Before Punishing
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between direct and indirect contempt, requiring due process and proper hearing before punishment.
B.P. 22 Issuing a Worthless Check Is a Crime Regardless of Intent
The Supreme Court affirms that issuing a worthless check is a crime under B.P. 22, regardless of the issuer's intent or purpose.
Contempt of Court: Limits on Summary Punishment and Judicial Notice in Philippine Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may punish contempt summarily and when they may take judicial notice of other 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.