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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Self-Defense vs. Vengeance: Defining the Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the defense of another justifies force, and when it becomes criminal vengeance under Philippine law.
Retrenchment Rigor: Proving Losses to Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on F.F. Marine v. NLRC clarifies the strict evidentiary burden employers face when retrenching workers due to business losses.
Dismissal of Appeal for Late Appellant's Brief: Timely Filing Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file the appellant's brief on time, rejecting claims of excusable neglect.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
Appeal Route Clarified: COSLAP Decisions Go to Court of Appeals, Not Directly to Supreme Court
Learn why COSLAP rulings on labor cases must be appealed to the CA first, based on a recent Supreme Court decision.
Water Rights vs Interference: When Courts Decide Water District Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the water council, have jurisdiction over water district disputes involving interference with vested rights.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Proving Employee Misconduct for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as a valid ground for dismissing managerial employees.
Breach of Trust vs Freedom of Expression: Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
When can an employer validly dismiss for breach of trust or misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Fujitsu v. De Guzman.
Carrier Negligence vs Fortuitous Events: Defining Insurance Liability in Cargo Loss
When a typhoon sinks a barge, who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier's negligence defeats both the fortuitous-event defense and insurance recovery.
Untimely Appeals and Water Rights: When Courts, Not Agencies, Decide Land Conversion Disputes
A water district's injunction suit against illegal well operators belongs in regular courts, not the Water Council, the Supreme Court rules.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Fairness in Certiorari Filings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on retroactive application of curative procedural rules for certiorari filings under Rule 65.
PPA Rate Increases and Due Process: What Shipping Lines Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when notice and hearing are required for port rate increases by the Philippine Ports Authority.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Bouncing Checks and Estafa: Pre-Existing Debt vs. Fraudulent Intent
When does a bouncing check become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between civil liability for pre-existing debt and criminal fraud.
Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.
Reinstatement of Criminal Cases: Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on procedural compliance in appeals, balancing strict rules against substantial justice in criminal case reinstatement.
CBA Separation Pay for Voluntary Resignation: When Contractual Stipulations Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a CBA can grant separation pay to voluntarily resigning employees, even if the Labor Code does not require it.
Upholding Public Trust: The Limits of Negotiated Procurement in Government Transactions
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on negotiated procurement limits, public trust, and accountability in government transactions.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Is Ministerial: Lessons from a Gross Neglect Case
The Supreme Court reminds sheriffs that executing writs is a ministerial duty—delays and excuses do not justify neglecting court orders.
No Damages for Accused: Criminal Courts Cannot Award Damages to the Accused in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal courts cannot award damages to the accused in criminal cases, reversing libel conviction.
Property Rights and Due Process: Lessons from Barcenas v. Tomas on Appeals and Co-Ownership
A Supreme Court ruling reminds property owners that procedural rules on appeals are strict, and that a co-owner may validly sell an undivided share without the consent of the others.
Onerous Donations and Substantial Breach: Upholding the Purpose of a Gift
When can a donor revoke an onerous donation? The Supreme Court explains the substantial breach rule in C-J Yulo & Sons v. Roman Catholic Bishop of San Pablo.
Death and Election Protests: Can a Widow Substitute for a Deceased Protestant?
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, ruled on whether a widow could substitute for her deceased husband in a presidential election protest.
Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.