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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Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: When Courts Can Intervene in Reorganization
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence, jurisdictional amounts in damage suits, and contributory negligence.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Probationary Employment and Dismissal for Slanderous Remarks: Key Lessons from Pasamba v. NLRC
Probationary employees may be dismissed for violating reasonable company standards, including rules against slanderous remarks, as explained in this case.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Ombudsman Decisions Can Be Reviewed by Courts
Supreme Court clarifies when final Ombudsman rulings may still be challenged through certiorari, using a neglect-of-duty case as guide.
Fortuitous Events and Employee Dismissal: When Absences Are Excusable
The Supreme Court ruled that absences caused by fortuitous events like flooding cannot justify dismissal, protecting workers' labor rights.
When Is a Hospital Building a Commercial Establishment? The Medical Arts Center Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hospital's medical arts center is a special property at 10% assessment, not commercial at 35%.
Rice Subsidy and Health Allowance Limits on University Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on Benguet State University's rice subsidy and health allowance, clarifying limits of fiscal autonomy under RA 8292.
Jurisdictional Thresholds Determining Court Competence Over Monetary Claims
Can a Spouse Convicted of Adultery Still Share in Conjugal Property? The Maquilan Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a voluntary separation of property is valid, even after a spouse's adultery conviction.
Consignation AND Timeliness Loss OF Rights DUE TO Delay IN Payment
Accountability and Due Diligence: Clarifying the Standard for Neglect of Duty in Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes simple neglect of duty and the standard of diligence required of public officers in safeguarding government property.
Compromise Agreements and Redemption Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, tax delinquency redemption, and substantial compliance in Philippine property law.
TAX Redemption Rights Protecting THE Delinquent Owners Opportunity TO Recover Property
Eyewitness Identification AND Conspiracy IN Murder Cases Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Breach of Promise or Employment Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Damage Claims?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a damage claim for breach of employment promise belongs to regular courts, not the NLRC.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Loss of Filipino Citizenship Ends AFP Retiree Pension: Parreño v. COA
Supreme Court rules AFP retirees who lose Filipino citizenship lose their pension under PD 1638, as amended. No vested right before retirement.
Treachery and the Element of Surprise: Establishing Murder and Frustrated Murder in Philippine Law
How sudden, unexpected attacks establish treachery, qualifying killings as murder and frustrated murder under Philippine law.
Upholding Court Authority Consequences FOR Attorneys Failing TO Comply With Directives
Tenant vs Caretaker: When Fishpond Watching Does Not Create Tenancy Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between agricultural tenant and mere caretaker, and why intent and consent matter in tenancy.
Authority TO File When CAN A State Prosecutor ACT Without City Prosecutor Approval
Military Pension and Citizenship: The Parreño Ruling on PD 1638
Retired AFP officers who lose Filipino citizenship can have their pensions terminated under PD 1638, as upheld in Parreño v. COA.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court staff, attacking a judge, and ignoring IBP directives in an administrative case.
Perfecting Land Titles Through Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that tax declarations, a survey plan, and witness testimony can prove open, continuous possession of land since June 12, 1945.