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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Service of Summons on Corporations: Who Can Validly Receive It
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may validly receive summons for a corporation, including management committee members under SEC supervision.
Upholding Contractual Obligations Enforcing Extrajudicial Settlements AND Eviction
Unlawful Acquisition: Sandiganbayan’s Jurisdiction Over Forfeiture Cases
The Supreme Court affirms the Sandiganbayan’s jurisdiction over forfeiture cases under R.A. 1379, including those filed by the Ombudsman.
Reckless Imprudence and Damages in Vehicular Homicide: Key Rules from Nueva España
The Supreme Court clarifies reckless imprudence liability, proof of damages, and employer subsidiary liability in vehicular homicide cases.
Substantial Justice Prevails Dismissal Based ON Technicality Overturned IN Procedural Rules Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on dismissals without due process, awarding nominal damages instead of reinstatement.
Agent Liability in Insurance Contracts: The Pandiman Philippines Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an insurance agent can be held liable for claims, and who bears responsibility for overseas workers' death benefits.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Give Notice and Hearing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal without notice and hearing, even with just cause, results in nominal damages.
Rescission of Contract: Balancing Forfeiture Clauses With the Duty to Reimburse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how rescission under Article 1191 requires mutual restitution, even when forfeiture clauses exist.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Due Process in PNP Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that dismissed PNP officers must exhaust all administrative remedies, including appeals to the DILG Secretary and CSC, before seeking court intervention.
Reinstatement vs. Separation Pay: Upholding the Rights of Illegally Dismissed Employees
Illegal dismissal entitles workers to reinstatement and full back wages. Separation pay is only an alternative when strained relations are proven.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in PNP Administrative Cases: Mendoza v. NAPOLCOM
Supreme Court ruling on why PNP members must exhaust administrative remedies before going to court in dismissal cases.
Protecting Filipino Workers: Philippine Labor Laws Extend to OFWs Regardless of Contractual Stipulations
Philippine labor laws protect OFWs even when employed abroad. The Supreme Court affirms that contractual stipulations cannot waive these protections.
Upholding Finality When Failure to Prosecute Leads to Dismissal on the Merits
Learn how skipping an administrative appeal and a motion for reconsideration can prove fatal to a case, as shown in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Sheriffs and Public Trust: When a Court Officer Stands By and Does Nothing
A Supreme Court ruling shows that a sheriff's silence during an irregular demolition was neglect of duty, not innocence, and that court officers must act above suspicion.
DNA Evidence Establishing Paternity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms DNA paternity testing as admissible evidence, setting standards for probative value and the right against self-incrimination.
The Counter Bond Conundrum: Ensuring Fair Attachment in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should compute counter-bonds to discharge preliminary attachment, preventing excessive demands on debtors.
Authority Matters: Why Verbal Assurances From Bank Clerks Can't Seal Property Deals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why verbal assurances from bank clerks cannot validate property transactions, and the importance of proper authority.
Compromise Agreements in Ill-Gotten Wealth Cases: PCGG Authority and Finality
The Supreme Court affirms PCGG's power to settle ill-gotten wealth cases through compromise agreements, which become final once court-approved.
Road Repair Responsibility When Negligence Leads to Liability
When road diggings lack warning devices, local governments may be liable for damages. The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on negligence, moral damages, and gross negligence.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Affirms Conviction and Raises Penalty for ICT Use
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, raising the penalty because the offense was committed through Facebook.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Supreme Court Clarifies Rules on Proof and Sources
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, clarifying the hierarchy of evidence under RA 26.
Dishonesty and Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Upholding Public Trust Through Accountability
Court personnel who collect funds without authority and abandon their posts betray public trust. The Supreme Court rules on the consequences.
Safeguarding Due Process: The Right to Present Evidence in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court reminds trial courts that a demurrer to evidence must be a knowing waiver of the accused's right to present evidence.
The Finality of Judgments: When Court Decisions Cannot Be Altered
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of immutability of judgments and why final orders cannot be modified.