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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Upholding Ethical Conduct: Dismissal and Forfeiture of Benefits for Grave Misconduct in the Judiciary
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial misconduct, emphasizing accountability, ethical standards, and the consequences of grave offenses in the judiciary.
Forum Shopping in Mortgage Disputes: When Causes of Action Differ
Supreme Court clarifies when simultaneous mortgage foreclosure and damages suits do not constitute forum shopping, explaining the test for identity of causes of action.
Eyewitness Testimony AND Alibi Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt IN Homicide Cases
Strict Adherence to Appeal Deadlines: A Guide to Filing Extensions
Learn how Philippine courts treat motions for extension of appeal deadlines, and why strict compliance with Rule 42 matters.
Breach of Contract vs Illegal Dismissal: When Labor Arbiters Have Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when a breach of contract claim falls under labor arbiter jurisdiction in U-Bix v. Hollero.
Deposition Denied: Balancing Discovery Rights and Diligence in Court Proceedings
When can a court deny a deposition? The Supreme Court explains the limits of discovery rights when a party delays proceedings.
Corporate Authority: When Can a President Bind a Corporation Without a Board Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate president can sign pleadings and bind the company without a board resolution.
Protecting Employee Rights Limits TO Dismissal OF Probationary Teachers FOR Expressing Concerns
When Can You Challenge a Default Judgment: Annulment and Due Process Explained
Learn when a default judgment can be annulled in the Philippines, including grounds like extrinsic fraud and lack of jurisdiction, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Certiorari Denied: Why Skipping a Motion for Reconsideration Kills Your Appeal
Skipping a motion for reconsideration before filing a Rule 65 certiorari petition can be fatal. Learn the rules from a 2008 Supreme Court case.
Treachery and Unlicensed Firearms Raise Murder Penalty in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how treachery and unlicensed firearms affect murder liability, penalties, and damages.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: The High Cost of Non-Disclosure
Failure to disclose a related case in a certification against forum shopping can lead to indirect contempt. Learn from this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence AND Ensuring Fair Trials
Public Office Ethics Improper Firearm Discharge AND Limits OF Misconduct Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, retirement age, and limits of employer misconduct claims.
Eminent Domain and Abandonment: Reversion of Expropriated Land for Lack of Public Use
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, courts may order reconveyance to the original owners.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Moral Ascendancy and Victim Testimony in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction, explaining moral ascendancy, victim credibility, and why date discrepancies do not defeat the prosecution's case.
Limits to Private Appeals Examining the Scope of Authority in Philippine Administrative Law
A private complainant cannot appeal a PNP administrative case; only the government and respondent may do so under RA 6975.
Eminent Domain Abandonment of Expropriated Property and the Right to Reconveyance
When the government abandons expropriated land and fails to pay just compensation, owners may reclaim the property. Learn the rules.
Ensuring Impartiality Upholding Raffle Rules IN Court Case Assignments
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Administrative Liability Under Philippine Law
A lawyer who issues worthless checks faces suspension even after full payment. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court administrative case.
Honesty Matters: Dismissal for False Statements in Government Job Applications
The Supreme Court ruled that false declarations in a Personal Data Sheet constitute dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from government service.
Homicide and Self-Defense: Burden of Proof and Mitigating Circumstances
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why self-defense must be proven by the accused and how courts assess voluntary surrender and damages in homicide cases.
Upholding Court Dignity Limits to Criticism in Legal Advocacy
Court explains how criticism of judges must remain respectful; reckless attacks undermine judicial integrity and may be penalized.
Tax Refund Claims and the Commissioner's Investigative Duty: A Philippine Legal Guide
Learn how Philippine courts handle tax refund claims, the Commissioner's investigative duty, and why substantiating claims with income tax returns is crucial.