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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Second Placer Doctrine: Disqualification Must Be Final Before Election Day
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a candidate disqualified only after elections cannot be replaced by the second placer; succession rules apply instead.
Vacation Leave and Training Costs: Balancing Employer Discretion and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that employers may schedule vacation leave under a CBA, but cannot pass in-service training costs to security guards. Learn what this means.
Bank Secrecy vs Qualified Theft: Balancing Financial Privacy and Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when bank deposits remain confidential under R.A. 1405 even in criminal cases, and why evidence must match the charge.
When Silence Isn't Golden: Affirmative Identification and Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court in Vidar v. People explains why delayed reporting, mug-shot identification, and relationship to the victim do not necessarily weaken a prosecution for robbery with homicide.
Qualification Standards and Security of Tenure in Government Employment: DOLE v. Maceda
SC ruling on temporary appointments, qualification standards, and the proper remedy for CSC decisions in government service.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Legal Malice and Probable Cause in Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that winning a criminal case dismissal does not automatically justify a malicious prosecution claim for damages.
When Courts Must Decide Independently: Withdrawal of Criminal Informations in the Philippines
Philippine courts must independently assess prosecutors' motions to withdraw criminal informations, not merely adopt the Secretary of Justice's recommendation.
Liquidator’s Fees: SEC Authority to Fix Compensation in Corporate Liquidation
Supreme Court clarifies SEC’s power to determine liquidator’s fees when parties fail to agree, in Catmon Sales v. Yngson.
Reorganization in Bad Faith: Protecting Security of Tenure in Government Employment
Explore how the Supreme Court shields government employees from bad-faith reorganizations, ensuring security of tenure remains a constitutional safeguard.
Execution Pending Appeal in Barangay Election Contests: The San Miguel v. Comelec Rule
Supreme Court clarifies the timing rules for execution pending appeal in barangay election contests under Section 11, Rule 14.
Revocation OF Authority Comelecs Power Over Delegated Election Offense Prosecution
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying the Correct Valuation Method
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying RA 6657 Valuation Principles
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Amparo and Property Rights: Clarifying the Boundaries of Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies that amparo and habeas data writs protect life, liberty, and security—not property disputes.
Probable Cause and Witness Credibility in Preliminary Investigations for Murder
Supreme Court clarifies how prosecutors should weigh witness credibility and probable cause in murder preliminary investigations.
Mortgage Rights Prevail: Protecting Secured Creditors in Labor Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on secured creditors' mortgage rights versus labor judgment execution, and the limits of piercing the corporate veil.
Protecting the Innocent: The Vital Role of Testimony and Medical Evidence in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction, explaining how a child victim's credible testimony and medical findings secure justice.
Second Chance Appeals: COMELEC's Duty to Allow Correction of Election Fee Payments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable for a corporation's unpaid obligations under the Corporation Code.
Corporate Officer Liability for Bad Faith Under Section 31 of the Corporation Code
When can corporate officers be personally liable for corporate obligations? The Supreme Court explains bad faith and gross negligence under Section 31.
Employer Control Determines Employment Status: The PLDT Security Guard Case
When a security agency's contract ends but guards remain at their posts under the principal's direction, an employer-employee relationship may arise.
Procedural Due Process and Employee Dismissal: When a Security Agency Contract Ends
When a security agency contract ends but guards remain on post, who is the employer? The Supreme Court clarifies control, due process, and liability.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Rape Case Built on Circumstantial Evidence
Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome reasonable doubt, emphasizing rigorous scrutiny of complainant's testimony.