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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Loss of Trust and Due Process: Employer Liability for Dismissal Violations in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when loss of trust justifies dismissing a managerial employee and what damages apply when procedural due process is breached.
Judicial Overreach Limits on Notarial Authority of Judges in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies limits on judges' notarial authority under Circular No. 1-90, penalizing unauthorized notarization of private documents.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Protecting Labor Rights When Corporate Identities Blur
When two corporations share management, payroll, and offices, courts may pierce the corporate veil to protect workers' rights and claims.
When a Lawyer Drops the Ball: Lessons from Edquibal v. Ferrer on Diligence and Client Trust
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer negligence in appeals, explaining counsel's duty of diligence and what clients should expect.
Lawyers Must Uphold Diligence and Fidelity in Legal Representation
A lawyer who fails to file an appellate brief faces suspension. The Supreme Court affirms that neglect of a client's case violates the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Judicial Accountability Ensuring Prompt Transmittal of Records in Appealed Cases
A judge's duty to supervise court personnel and ensure prompt transmittal of records in appealed cases, explained through a Supreme Court ruling.
Double Jeopardy and Falsification: Understanding Distinct Offenses in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when the same act can produce separate crimes without violating double jeopardy, using a falsification case.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding Due Process in Criminal Judgment Promulgation
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial accountability, highlighting due process in criminal judgment promulgation and the consequences of undue delay.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Strict Compliance Required in Election Protests
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on strict compliance with certification of non-forum shopping requirements in election protest cases.
Letters of Credit and Construction Contracts: Defining Liability in Tripartite Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a bank is liable under a tripartite letter of credit agreement in construction financing.
Competitive Bidding and the Right to Top in Philippine Privatization: The J.G. Summit Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "right to top" in government privatization bidding is valid, and when losing bidders may be estopped from challenging the award.
Sheriff's Duty: Court Approval Required for Execution Expenses in the Philippines
The Supreme Court fined a sheriff for demanding P10,000 directly from a judgment creditor without court approval, clarifying the proper procedure under Rule 141.
Substantial Compliance With Attestation Requirements in Will Probate
Philippine Supreme Court explains when defects in a will's attestation clause may still allow probate under the substantial compliance rule.
Upholding Due Process in Execution Sales: Ensuring Fair Notice and Proportionality
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs must follow Rule 141 procedures for execution expenses, ensuring due process and fair notice in levying properties.
Perjury and Probable Cause: When Sworn Statements Fall Short of Falsehood
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of perjury and the limits of probable cause in criminal complaints before the Ombudsman.
Mortgage in Good Faith: How Registered Mortgages Protect Lenders Despite Title Defects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how registered mortgages protect lenders in good faith, even when prior unregistered sales exist.
Habeas Corpus Custody: When a Judge's Provisional Custody Order Is Not Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's provisional custody order in habeas corpus cases constitutes abuse of authority or gross ignorance of law.
Reckless Imprudence in Philippine Traffic Accidents: What Veneracion v. People Teaches Drivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies reckless imprudence liability in traffic accidents, emphasizing driver precautions and evidentiary standards.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases as a Judge's Duty
The Supreme Court reminds judges that heavy caseloads do not excuse delay in deciding cases, imposing fines for gross inefficiency.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misappropriating Client's Properties and Abusing Trust
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who took client's land titles, registered properties in his own name, and abused fiduciary duty.
Attempted Rape vs Acts of Lasciviousness: How Intent Shapes Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between attempted rape and acts of lasciviousness—the intent to lie with the victim.
Reckless Imprudence in Vehicle Collisions: How Courts Determine Fault
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts determine fault in reckless imprudence cases involving vehicle collisions under Article 365.
Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes: Why Complete Adjudication Matters
The Supreme Court explains why all indispensable parties must be joined in property cases, or the entire case fails.
Union Office Access Reconciling Labor Disputes AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when union office disputes belong to labor tribunals or regular courts, balancing labor law and property rights.