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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Loan VS Profit Share THE Supreme Courts Stance ON Proving Debt AND Ownership IN Family Businesses
Immorality as Ground for Suspension: Court Personnel Held to High Moral Standards
Court employees face discipline for immoral conduct. Learn how a process server's extramarital affair led to suspension.
Self-Defense and Parricide: Proving Justification in Spousal Homicide
When a husband kills his wife, self-defense is hard to prove. This case explains the legal requirements and penalties.
Perfecting Appeals THE Definitive Guide ON Filing Deadlines IN Estate Administration
Accommodation Party Liability When Signing a Promissory Note With Assumed Responsibility
When does signing a promissory note as an accommodation party create liability? The Supreme Court explains in Co v. Admiral United Savings Bank.
San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC: When Dismissal for Unauthorized Absences Is Justified
Explore when unauthorized absences justify dismissal under Philippine labor law, as clarified in San Miguel Corp. v. NLRC (2008).
When a Sheriff's Excuses Fail: Dereliction of Duty in Philippine Courts
A deputy sheriff's repeated failure to serve court processes leads to one-year suspension, clarifying standards of diligence for court personnel.
Extortion in Labor Disputes: Upholding Termination Based on Substantial Evidence
SC ruling on Mitsubishi Motors v. Simon clarifies that substantial evidence, not proof beyond reasonable doubt, suffices to justify dismissal for serious misconduct.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When a Corporation's Separate Identity May Be Disregarded
Philippine Supreme Court explains the strict test for piercing the corporate veil and why mere stock ownership is not enough.
Psychological Incapacity in Annulment: Mere Difficulty vs Grave Dysfunction
The Supreme Court clarifies that ordinary marital conflict and immaturity do not amount to psychological incapacity for annulment under Philippine law.
Upholding Diligence in Public Service: Consequences for Neglect of Duty by a Deputy Sheriff
A Supreme Court decision suspends a deputy sheriff for repeated failures to serve court processes, underscoring the strict diligence required of all court personnel.
When Court Employees Fail Their Duty: The Madolaria Administrative Case
A deputy sheriff's repeated failures to serve court processes led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the strict standards for judicial employees.
Partnership vs Loan: Proving the True Nature of Money Transfers in Family Business Disputes
When is a transfer of funds a loan rather than a share of profits? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules of evidence in family business disputes.
Limits TO A Lawyers Language Maintaining Respect IN Legal Pleadings
Unlawful Detainer When A Lease Violation Doesnt Require Prior Contract Rescission
Marital Consent Is Key: Spousal Rights in Property Sales Under Article 124
Supreme Court voids a husband's sale of conjugal property without his wife's consent, explaining Article 124 of the Family Code.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: What Buyers at Auction Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies that a writ of possession issues as a matter of right to a foreclosure sale purchaser, even if the mortgagor files an annulment case.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: When Health Issues Mitigate Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies when illness can mitigate the penalty for habitual absenteeism, balancing employee welfare with the public trust doctrine.
Dacion en Pago and Foreclosure: When a Debt Remains a Debt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that an unaccepted dacion en pago does not extinguish a debt, allowing mortgage foreclosure to proceed.
Dismissal of Appeal, Counsel's Negligence, and the Duty to Uphold Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when a counsel's negligence may excuse a late appeal and when courts must relax procedural rules.
Motion for Reconsideration: The Indispensable Step Before Certiorari in Labor Cases
Learn why exhausting remedies like a motion for reconsideration is vital before filing a certiorari petition in Philippine labor disputes.
Defective Summons and Corporate Rehabilitation: Voluntary Submission to Court Jurisdiction
When defective service of summons can be cured by a party's own actions, and how corporate rehabilitation stay orders affect collection suits.
Right to Counsel in Criminal Appeals: Due Process Beyond the Trial Court
The Supreme Court rules that the right to counsel extends to appeals, and gross lawyer negligence can excuse a missed appeal.
Insufficient Notice Leads to Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer: Due Process in Maritime Employment
A seafarer's dismissal was ruled illegal because vague logbook entries and a general notice failed the due process requirements under POEA rules.