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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Estafa Tightrope: Good Faith vs Criminal Intent in Bounced Check Cases
Supreme Court acquits AFPSLAI exec in falsification case, stressing that conviction requires proof of damage as alleged in the information.
Tugboat Owner's Negligence in Ensuring Seaworthiness Makes It Liable for Barge Damage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tugboat owner's liability for barge damage due to failure to ensure vessel seaworthiness and diligence in towage contracts.
Breach of Public Trust: The High Cost of Dishonesty for Court Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms direct bribery convictions of immigration officers and a lawyer, emphasizing public trust and accountability.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Fit for Duty Assessments and Quitclaims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, fit for duty assessments by company-designated physicians, and validity of quitclaims.
Delayed Remittance of Judiciary Funds: A Clerk of Court's Duty to Public Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's delayed remittance of judiciary funds, explaining accountability rules and penalties.
Tax Exemption vs Beneficial Use: GSIS Charter and Local Government Code Conflict
When does GSIS lose its tax exemption? The Supreme Court clarifies how the Local Government Code limits the GSIS charter's tax immunity.
Lawyer Convicted of Direct Bribery: Acejas III vs. People and the Ethics of Representation
The Supreme Court convicted lawyer Francisco Acejas III of direct bribery for conspiring with a public officer to extort money — a warning to all legal professionals.
Upholding Judicial Ethics: Lessons from Administrative Cases Against Baguio City Judges
The Supreme Court's consolidated ruling on administrative cases against Baguio City RTC judges clarifies standards of judicial conduct, propriety, and accountability.
Judicial Courtesy vs Expediency: When Court Deference Delays Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may suspend proceedings out of judicial courtesy and when they must press on with trial.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Defense Fails, Backwages Still Due
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, abandonment defense, and the right to full backwages even when separation pay is awarded.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Protecting OFW Wages: Unauthorized Contract Alterations and Employer Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on OFW salary reductions, unauthorized contract changes, and solidary employer liability under RA 8042.
Boundary Disputes: Proving Land Ownership in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts resolve boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of approved survey plans and proper identification of property.
Restitution Does Not Erase Administrative Liability for Court Fund Shortages
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: returning missing court funds does not erase administrative liability for gross dishonesty by court personnel.
When Self Defense Fails: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and why uncorroborated claims fail in homicide cases.
Forum Shopping: Why Litigants Cannot Pursue the Same Claims in Different Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the prohibition on forum shopping and why litigants cannot pursue identical claims in different courts simultaneously.
Forestry Laws: Driver Liability and Knowledge in Illegal Logging Cases
Supreme Court ruling on truck driver liability for transporting undocumented lumber under the Revised Forestry Code, and how knowledge and conspiracy are proven.
Senior Citizen Discount Tax Credit: Carry-Over Allowed Even Without Tax Due
Supreme Court rules 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not deduction, and can be carried over when no tax is due.
Beyond Resignation: Constructive Dismissal and Harassment Claims in Philippine Labor Law
When does a resignation become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forced resignation and workplace harassment claims.
Mandamus and Medicare Claims: When Courts Can Compel Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mandamus can compel SSS to pay Medicare claims despite fraud allegations.
Illegal Dismissal Burden of Proof: Employer Must Substantiate Abandonment Claims
In Velasco v. NLRC, the Supreme Court clarified that employers bear the burden of proving abandonment in illegal dismissal cases, and that separation pay does not replace backwages.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Security of Tenure and Board Membership: Garayblas v. Atienza on Illegal Ouster
When does a board member's ouster become a justiciable case? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between termination of appointment and illegal removal.