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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Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Standards for Process Servers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines simple neglect of duty for process servers, emphasizing their vital role in the justice system and the penalties for failing to serve court processes diligently.
Holographic Wills Recognizing Testamentary Intent Beyond Formal Titles IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how courts determine testamentary intent in holographic wills, beyond formal titles and designations.
Dismissal FOR Habitual Absenteeism Upholding Public Service Integrity
Holographic Wills and Disinheritance: Reconciling Intent With Legal Formalities in Estate Succession
When is a disinheritance document a valid holographic will? The Supreme Court clarifies probate rules, preterition, and testamentary intent.
Breach of Trust, Managerial Negligence, and the Scope of Employer Prerogative in Dismissal
When can a bank dismiss a manager for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on managerial negligence.
Sublease Rights: When Lessor's Written Consent Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may sublease without the lessor's written consent, distinguishing sublease from assignment of rights.
Market Stall Leases No Vested Right Against City's Regulatory Power
Stall leases in public markets are privileges, not vested rights, so local governments may impose new occupancy rules under police power.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure Prevails Over Contractual Loopholes
Supreme Court rules that continuous work in vital tasks makes an employee regular, not project, despite contracts and agency schemes.
Interest on Loans and the Necessity of Written Agreements for Enforceability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sales, good faith, and why written contracts matter for property and loan enforceability.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Respectful Advocacy Limits on Attorney Language in Legal Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyer discipline for abusive language in pleadings, citing Canons 8 and 11 of the CPR.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Dishonesty in Public Service: Consequences of Misconduct and Abandonment of Duty
The Supreme Court affirms that the Ombudsman can impose penalties directly, and that dishonesty by accountable officers warrants dismissal from service.
OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
Novation in Property Sales: When a Deed of Absolute Sale Supersedes a Conditional Sale
Explaining when a later deed of absolute sale novates or supersedes an earlier conditional sale, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Spanish Titles and Stare Decisis: Santiago v. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Spanish titles can no longer prove land ownership, and that final judgments bind even those who did not appeal.
When Is a Company Cook a Regular Employee? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company cook is a regular employee, not a domestic helper, and the rules on illegal dismissal.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Valuation Should Be Made
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands is valued at payment time, not at taking.
Protecting the People's Vote: Timeliness of Election Protests and Failure of Election Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 30-day period for election appeals, failure of election grounds, and the importance of raising issues promptly.
Commingling and Certification Elections: Navigating Union Affiliations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commingling of rank-and-file and supervisory union officers bars separate certification elections.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.