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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Dismissed Appeal: Why Following Court Rules Matters in Philippine Litigation
A Supreme Court ruling shows why procedural rules matter: a Rule 43 petition wrongly filed against a DOJ resolution was dismissed.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: Defining the Limits of Presidential Power
The Supreme Court struck down E.O. 464's blanket ban on executive officials appearing before Congress, clarifying the proper scope of executive privilege in legislative inquiries.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.
Non-Retroactivity of BIR Rulings: The Benguet Case and Taxpayer Protection
Learn how the Supreme Court protects taxpayers from retroactive BIR rulings, based on the landmark Benguet Corporation case.
Burden of Proof in Philippine Contract Law: Why Evidence Matters in Usage-Based Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Skippers United Pacific v. NLRC clarifies employer burden of proof in seafarer dismissal cases and evidentiary standards.
Illegal Dismissal for Medical Emergency Leave: Ting v. Ismael Case Guide
Learn when leaving work for a medical emergency is not just cause for dismissal, and the due process rules employers must follow.
Due Process in Philippine Courts: Postponements and Witness Testimony
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, illumination, and minor inconsistencies in criminal trials.
Who Is in Delay in Reciprocal Obligations? Philippine Contract of Sale Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when delay begins in reciprocal obligations under a contract of sale, and why mutual default cancels out.
Due Process at Sea: Seafarers' Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Law
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on due process and loss of trust in dismissing confidential employees under Philippine law.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Philippine Guaranty Law: Sureties Liable Even Without Dishonor Protest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that guarantors and sureties remain liable on discounted export bills even without a formal protest of dishonor.
Fixed-Term vs Regular Employment: Know Your Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and when they violate the security of tenure of regular employees.
Real Party-in-Interest and CIAC Jurisdiction in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies indispensable parties and CIAC jurisdiction in construction arbitration, using the Heritage Park case as a guide.
Judicial Accountability: The 90-Day Rule and Why Judges Cannot Blame Court Staff
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges that the 90-day decision period is mandatory, and blaming staff will not excuse delay.
Breach of Trust: Understanding Estafa and Criminal Liability in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court defines estafa by misappropriation under Article 315 of the Revised Penal Code and what it means for your liability.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Access and Property Rights in Subdivision Developments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies temporary easement rules for subdivision access, distinguishing preliminary injunctions from permanent rights of way.
Judges Cannot Blame Staff for Delayed Decisions: Supreme Court Ruling on Court Records
The Supreme Court held that a judge cannot pass the blame to court staff for delays in deciding cases, affirming that docket management is ultimately the judge's duty.
Disbarment for Conflicting Interests and Misleading Use of Judicial Title
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting courts and defying IBP orders in A.C. No. 11508.
Dismissal for Habitual Tardiness: Upholding Efficiency and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a repeat offender for habitual tardiness, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding strict observance of working hours.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping: When a Prior Ruling Bars a Second Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a prior ruling bars another case, and what constitutes forum shopping.
Negligence and the Binding Nature of Counsel's Errors: Understanding the Basuel v. FFIB Ruling
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for certiorari, emphasizing that counsel's negligence and errors of judgment are not grounds for this remedy.
Dismissal of Case for Absence at Pre-Trial: When It's Not Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a plaintiff's absence at pre-trial does not justify dismissal of the case for failure to prosecute.
When Strikes Become Illegal: Collective Bargaining Rights and Union Representation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when strikes are illegal, who can be dismissed, and the rules on backwages for union members.