Legal Insights

Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.

Accountable Public Officer Failing to Render Accounts: Liability for Cash Advances

Municipal mayors who receive cash advances are accountable officers. Failure to liquidate or return disallowed funds within two months is a crime under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.

Valid Buy-Bust Operation Upholds Conviction Despite Chain of Custody Concerns in Drug Cases

The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction, ruling that minor lapses in chain of custody do not automatically warrant acquittal when the evidence's integrity is preserved.

Shares of Stock and Due Diligence: Examining the Duty to Verify Ownership in Legal Disputes

A look at Jimmy T. Go v. Abrogar, where the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to verify share ownership before claiming attachment rights.

Rape Shield Consent AND Credibility IN Sexual Assault Cases

Binding Amicable Settlements: Understanding Repudiation in Barangay Justice

When is a barangay amicable settlement binding? The Supreme Court explains repudiation rules under the Local Government Code.

Real Property Tax Exemption: Government Instrumentalities vs. Beneficial Use by Private Entities

When does a government agency's real property tax exemption end? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on leased government properties.

Prior Court Rulings Bind Later Appeals: Default Judgment Limits Explained

A bank's repeated procedural challenges failed when earlier rulings became the law of the case. Learn how default judgments and prior decisions shape litigation.

Motion for Reconsideration: An Essential Step Before Certiorari

Learn why the Supreme Court requires a motion for reconsideration before filing a petition for certiorari, and the exceptions to this rule.

Philippine Government Employees and the Right to Protest: Understanding the Limits of Mass Actions

The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of civil servants' right to protest and the legal boundaries of mass actions in the Philippines.

Trust Receipts AND Estafa When Does Failure TO PAY Constitute Criminal Liability

Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Pacoy v. Cajigal Explained

When can a court amend a charge from homicide to murder after arraignment? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on amendment, substitution, and double jeopardy.

Project vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Rights in Fixed-Term Contracts

The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated fixed-term hiring still means project, not regular, employment under Philippine law.

Bouncing Checks LAW Intent NOT A Defense Strict Liability Prevails

Laches vs Torrens Title: When Delay Overrides Ownership Rights

Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when laches, not just prescription, can bar a registered owner from recovering possession of titled land.

Campaign Finance Liability: When a Candidate Is Not Liable for Party Mates' Expenses

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a candidate is personally liable for campaign materials ordered for party mates in election spending disputes.

Regular Employee Status: When a CBA Confers Tenure Beyond the Labor Code

A reliever stevedore denied regularization under the Labor Code was declared regular via the CBA's six-month accumulated service rule.

Loss OF Trust Must BE Based ON Clear Facts Employees Right TO DUE Process Prevails

AWOL and Reinstatement: The Scope of Appointing Authority in Philippine Civil Service

Explaining Jaucian v. Wycoco on AWOL, automatic separation from the rolls, and the appointing authority's discretion over reinstatement.

Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Meets Due Process

The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in rendering decisions, explaining the constitutional duty and consequences.

Treachery and Eyewitness Testimony: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt

A look at how positive eyewitness identification and treachery established guilt beyond reasonable doubt in a Philippine murder case.

Ombudsman Decisions and the Doctrine of Immediate Executability

The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory despite an appeal.

Valid Service of Summons: Who Counts as a Corporate Agent in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons on a corporate employee binds the corporation, using Weena Express v. Rapacon.

Sheriffs Fees Integrity AND Accountability IN Court Processes