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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prosecutor's Comment on Motion for Reconsideration After Information Filed Not Misconduct
Supreme Court rules a prosecutor who files a recommendatory comment on a motion for reconsideration after arraignment does not commit conduct prejudicial to the service.
Tenancy Rights: How to Prove Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Agrarian Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that a tenancy relationship cannot be presumed—all six elements must be proven by evidence.
Attitude Problems and Employee Termination: Defining Just Cause in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "attitude problem" can justify employee termination and the required notices for valid dismissal.
Judicial Accountability: Habitual Absenteeism and Public Trust in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismissed a process server for habitual absenteeism, affirming that public office is a public trust demanding accountability.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Timeliness in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescriptive period and strict requirements for annulment of judgment based on extrinsic fraud under Rule 47.
Disability Benefits for Seafarers: Defining Total and Permanent Incapacity
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's illness counts as total and permanent disability, entitling them to full benefits.
Quantum Meruit Recovery for Services Without a Formal Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on recovering payment for services rendered without a written contract, explained in plain language.
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.
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.
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.
Court Personnel Cannot Use Official Position to Send Private Demand Letters
Supreme Court rules court employees who send private demand letters using court letterheads and franking privileges commit simple misconduct.