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 DUE Process THE Automatic Lifting OF Sequestration Orders FOR Unimpleaded Entities
When Safekeeping Turns Into Gross Misconduct: A Judge's Duty of Propriety
A Philippine judge kept a litigant's antique pieces for four years. The Supreme Court called it gross misconduct, not mere impropriety, and suspended him.
When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Standardized Salaries vs Employee Benefits: Clarifying COLA Integration for Philippine Government Workers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COLA and similar allowances are deemed integrated into standardized government salaries under R.A. 6758.
Bail After Conviction: Discretion vs. Right in Philippine Law
Explaining Leviste v. CA: bail after conviction is discretionary, not automatic, even without bail-negating circumstances under Rule 114.
Abandonment in Employment: The Imperative of Intent and the Employer’s Duty to Notify
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on abandonment of work, focusing on the employee's intent and the employer's responsibility to issue notices.
The High Cost of Deceit: Dismissal for Court Employees in Bigamy and Corruption Case
A look at how the Supreme Court treats dismissal of court employees involved in bigamy and corruption, and the consequences.
Circumstantial Evidence in Rape with Homicide: The Unbroken Chain of Guilt
The Supreme Court explains when circumstantial evidence suffices to convict in rape with homicide, and the penalties and damages that follow.
Attorney Suspended Two Years for Misconduct and Disrespect to the Court
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for violating the Lawyer's Oath, the Code of Professional Responsibility, and for disrespecting court processes.
Due Process in Union Expulsion: Protecting Workers From Unfair Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies that employers must observe procedural due process before dismissing workers under a union security clause.
Due Process in Election Protests: The Importance of Timely Evidence Presentation
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that due process in election protests means a reasonable opportunity to be heard—not unlimited time to present evidence.
Protecting Children: Upholding the Credibility of Child Victims in Parental Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a child victim's testimony is given full weight in incestuous rape cases, and why an intact hymen does not disprove rape.
Security of Tenure: Understanding Eligibility Requirements in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies that security of tenure in the Career Executive Service requires full CES eligibility, not just academic credentials.
Incestuous Rape: Moral Ascendancy as Intimidation in Familial Abuse
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force or intimidation in incestuous rape, affirming a conviction.
Parental Authority vs Incest: Upholding Conviction in Qualified Rape Cases
Supreme Court affirms qualified rape conviction of father, ruling that a father's moral ascendancy substitutes for force and resistance in incestuous rape.
Default Orders and Due Process: Protecting Contractors' Rights in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on default orders, due process, and corporate officer liability in construction payment disputes.
Partnership Disputes: Proving a Partnership Without a Formal Agreement
When no written partnership contract exists, courts look to conduct and circumstances. This case shows how to prove or disprove an informal partnership.
Ombudsman Cannot Probe Supreme Court Justices for Judicial Acts
Court dismisses Ombudsman complaint against retired Justices, limits Ombudsman power over judicial acts.
Second Placer Doctrine: Disqualification Must Be Final Before Election Day
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a candidate disqualified only after elections cannot be replaced by the second placer; succession rules apply instead.
DUE Process IN Dismissal Employers Must Provide Fair Opportunity TO Respond
Party Expulsions and Due Process: When Can a Political Party Remove Members
The Supreme Court clarifies that political party expulsions are internal matters, not subject to constitutional due process requirements.
Delayed Remittance of Court Funds: When a Clerk of Court Faces Administrative Liability
A clerk of court kept court funds for nearly a year. The Supreme Court explains why delay alone is gross neglect of duty.
Integrity of Ballots vs Election Returns: Safeguarding the Electoral Process
Explaining Varias v. COMELEC on when ballots may override election returns in Philippine election contests.
When Notice to Counsel Binds the Client: Due Process in Philippine Administrative Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why notice to a deputized counsel binds the government client, and what this means for due process and finality of judgments.