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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Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: The Ondevilla Ruling on Employee Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and separation pay in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Bank Employees, Breach of Trust, and Dismissal for Just Cause in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that bank employees who divert depositor funds may be dismissed for loss of trust and confidence, even if the bank suffered no proven loss.
Third-Party Claims in Attachment: Following Rule 57’s Prescribed Remedies
A third-party claimant cannot shortcut attachment rules. The Supreme Court in Florido v. Shemberg clarifies the proper remedy under Rule 57.
Judicial Accountability: When a Judge's Leniency Becomes Misconduct
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's liberal grant of postponements and procedural lapses constitute administrative liability, not gross ignorance of law.
Moral Damages Count in Determining Court Jurisdiction in Quasi-Delict Cases
The Supreme Court rules that moral damages claims are part of the jurisdictional amount in quasi-delict cases for physical injuries.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Injunction Against Government Interference: Protecting Contractual Advertising Rights
Supreme Court ruling on when courts may issue preliminary injunctions to protect contractual rights from government interference in advertising agreements.
Land Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform A Landowners Guide
The Supreme Court explains the five-hectare retention limit under RA 6657 and when a landowner's property may be exempt from CARP coverage.
Res Ipsa Loquitur in Property Damage: Employer Liability for Employee Negligence
When a car fire destroys property, res ipsa loquitur may shift the burden to defendants. Learn the rule from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Judicial Ethics When Personal Vendettas Cloud Impartial Judgment
A look at how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial impartiality and the two-notice rule in dismissals.
Preliminary Injunction Against MMDA Billboards: Protecting Contractual Rights Pending Trial
Supreme Court affirms preliminary injunction stopping MMDA from dismantling MRT 3 billboards, protecting Trackworks' contractual advertising rights pending trial.
Grave Abuse of Discretion in Demurrer to Evidence: When Can an Interlocutory Order Be Challenged
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges commit grave abuse of discretion in granting demurrers to evidence and how interlocutory orders may be challenged.
Protecting Property Rights: Third-Party Claims in Attachment Proceedings
Learn how third-party claimants must protect property rights in attachment cases under Rule 57, as clarified by the Supreme Court.
Dismissal Due to Illness: Employers Must Secure Medical Certification
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Manly Express v. Payong clarifies employer obligations when terminating employees due to disease or illness.
Tax Credit Claims: Time Limits and Exceptions for Advance Payments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax credit claims for advance income tax payments, and when the two-year prescriptive period may not apply.
When Can Unpaid Wages Be Offset Against Company Property? The Nadela Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when legal compensation applies to offset unpaid wages against company property in employee's custody.
Proving Loss of Trust and Confidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Corporate Residence and Venue: Where a Corporation Must Sue
The Supreme Court clarifies that a corporation's residence for venue purposes is its principal office stated in its Articles of Incorporation.
Tax Sale Invalidity: Strict Compliance With Notice Requirements Protects Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how failure to give proper notice in tax delinquency sales invalidates the sale and protects property owners' rights.
Foreclosure Sales and Labor Claims: When Buyers Are Not Liable for a Mortgagor's Debts
The Supreme Court clarifies that a mortgagee-creditor who buys foreclosed assets does not automatically assume the mortgagor's labor liabilities.
Judicial Accountability: Fines for Judges Who Delay Case Resolutions
Learn how Philippine courts penalize judges for failing to decide cases on time, based on a Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability.
Judicial Ethics for Court Employees: The Limits of Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds court personnel that good intentions do not excuse using court authority and resources for purely private matters.
Breach of Trust: Government Employees, Habitual Absenteeism, and Misuse of Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual absenteeism and AWOL in government service, explaining penalties and the public trust doctrine.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippine Judiciary
When a clerk of court mishandles fiduciary funds, the Supreme Court imposes strict accountability, even after retirement.