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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Project Employees' Rights: Illegal Dismissal and Monetary Claims in the Philippines
Project employees enjoy security of tenure too. Employers must prove valid dismissal and payment of wages, 13th month pay, and leave benefits.
Illegal Dismissal of Security Guards: When a Verbal "Don't Report" Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of security guards, burden of proof, and the two-notice rule.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Quo Warranto and Security of Tenure: Establishing the Right to Public Office
Explaining when quo warranto lies, what a claimant must prove, and how security of tenure works in Philippine public office.
Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia: Preserving Judicial Efficiency in Boundary Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a second suit over the same boundary dispute constitutes forum shopping and litis pendentia.
Drug Sale Conviction Upheld Despite Procedural Lapses Integrity of Evidence Paramount
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling that integrity of seized evidence is paramount.
Foreclosure Amidst Corporate Liquidation Secured Creditor Rights Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on secured creditor foreclosure rights during corporate liquidation proceedings under RA 8799 and the Corporation Code.
Reopening a Preliminary Investigation Does Not Prove Prosecutorial Partiality
Supreme Court clarifies that reopening a preliminary investigation is not proof of bias under the Anti-Graft law, absent evidence of bad faith.
Fishpond Exemption and Farmworker Security of Tenure After Lease Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond farmworkers retain security of tenure after a civil law lessee's lease expires.
Land Reclassification Does Not Automatically Strip Tenant Rights, Says SC
Supreme Court clarifies that reclassifying agricultural land to residential use does not automatically divest tenant-farmers of their security of tenure rights.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes: A Lesson in Regulatory Power
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory jurisdiction to recall and cancel erroneously registered stock and transfer books, resolving intra-corporate disputes.
Regular Employee Status from Intermittent Work: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
Intermittent reliever nurse deemed regular employee after one year of service; dismissal without just cause and due process ruled illegal.
Reliever Nurse Deemed Regular Employee: Security of Tenure Prevails
Supreme Court rules a reliever nurse who served over a year is a regular employee, entitled to security of tenure and damages for illegal dismissal.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the SEC, not the regular courts, has jurisdiction to recall and cancel a stock and transfer book it erroneously registered.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
Upholding Integrity Falsification OF Time Records AS Dishonesty IN THE Public Sector
Protecting State Assets: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over PCGG Sequestration of Ill-Gotten Wealth
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Sandiganbayan, not the SEC, has jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered ill-gotten wealth.
Water Districts Are Government-Owned: Anti-Graft Law Applies to Their Officers
Supreme Court rules local water districts are government-owned corporations, so their managers face Anti-Graft Law prosecution for corrupt practices.
Finality of Just Compensation: When Second Chances in Land Reform Are Overruled
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration on land reform compensation, underscoring the finality of judgments and the limits of procedural remedies.
When Attached Property May Be Sold Before Judgment: China Banking Corp. v. Asian Construction
The Supreme Court clarifies when attached properties may be sold before final judgment under Rule 57, Section 11 of the Rules of Court.
Substantial Compliance and Corporate Authority in Forum Shopping Certifications: A Philippine Guide
Explains when a belated secretary's certificate can cure a defective corporate verification in Philippine court petitions, citing the YMCA v. Remington ruling.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.
Perfected Appeal: No Second Notice Needed After Decision Modification
A timely first notice of appeal perfects an appeal even if the trial court later modifies its decision. Learn the rule from PNB-Republic Bank v. Cordova.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.