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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Strikes and Notice Requirements: Upholding Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that unions must strictly comply with the 24-hour notice requirement for strike votes, or the strike becomes illegal.
Protecting Homebuyers: Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Sequestered Properties
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed the Sandiganbayan's jurisdiction over cases involving sequestered properties, protecting homebuyers and the public interest.
Expired Firearm License Extension Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Possession Case
Supreme Court acquits gun owner whose expired license fell under PNP's 2014 extension, applying mandatory judicial notice.
Defiance in the Courtroom: Upholding the Finality of Judicial Decisions and Consequences for Contempt
When a Supreme Court decision becomes final, defiance has consequences. This case explains indirect contempt and the immutability of judgments.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Unreasonable Fees in Client Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's case and charging exorbitant fees, reinforcing ethical duties under the CPR.
Ombudsman's Discretion Prevails: Challenging Prosecutorial Decisions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in prosecutorial decisions, clarifying limits on challenging dismissals of motions to quash.
MMDA Traffic Enforcement Powers vs Police Power: Key Limits Under RA 7924
Supreme Court clarifies MMDA's traffic enforcement powers: it can enforce but not enact traffic rules, and lacks police power.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Court Affirms Credibility of Minor Victim's Testimony
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on credible minor victim testimony, rejecting defense attacks on minor inconsistencies and delay in reporting.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Partition Ends Co-Ownership: Mortgage on Divided Property Valid
Supreme Court rules that a deed of partial partition ends co-ownership, making a subsequent mortgage on an adjudicated property valid without other heirs' consent.
Emancipation Patent Cancellation: Land Cultivation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when an emancipation patent can be cancelled for violating agrarian reform rules on personal cultivation and tenancy.
Standing to Sue: When Can a Citizen Challenge Government Actions in Court
The Supreme Court explains the legal standing requirement for citizens challenging government actions, using a COA restructuring case as an example.
Dismissal Due to Business Losses: Substantiate Claims With Financial Records
Philippine law requires employers to prove business losses with audited financial statements before dismissing workers for retrenchment or closure.
Senior Citizen Discounts as Tax Credits: Ensuring Equitable Compensation for Private Establishments
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not a mere deduction, ensuring fair treatment for private establishments.
Danzas v. Daguman: When Retrenchment and Closure Are Used to Disguise Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that an employer claiming retrenchment or closure must prove it with audited financial statements — and that quitclaims signed on false premises do not bind workers.
Credibility of a Minor Rape Victim's Testimony: Lessons from People v. Suarez
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining why a minor victim's testimony deserves full faith and credit despite minor inconsistencies.
Burden of Proof in Wage Disputes: Employers Must Prove Full Payment of Agreed Salaries
In G & M (Phils.), Inc. v. Cruz, the Supreme Court held that an employer claiming full payment of wages bears the burden of proving it, not the worker.
Beyond Borders Protecting Overseas Workers From Illegal Dismissal
When can a sugar worker be considered a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on security of tenure in Hacienda Bino v. Cuenca.
Supplemental Complaints Upholding Justice AND Efficiency IN Legal Proceedings
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial authority in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to jurisdictional boundaries and procedural rules.
Judicial Misconduct: Judge Exceeds Authority in Preliminary Investigation
When a judge oversteps authority by conducting preliminary investigations, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn from Ribaya v. Binamira-Parcia.
When a Land Sale Contract Is Voidable: Illiteracy, Fraud, and Equitable Mortgage in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting illiterate landowners from fraud.
Finality of Factual Findings in Labor Cases: The Burden of Proving Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of NLRC factual findings and the employer's burden to prove payment of wages in labor disputes.
Upholding Court Integrity: A Clerk's Duty to Safeguard Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers and court personnel that falsifying or mishandling official records is serious misconduct that can cost them their career.
Balancing the 60-Day Rule With Public Health: PhilHealth Claims and Timely Reimbursements
The Supreme Court ruled that PhilHealth's strict 60-day filing rule must yield to public health goals, allowing late claims from accredited hospitals.