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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When Court of Appeals Loses Jurisdiction: Service of Orders and Deadlines in Philippine Appeals
Learn when service of court orders counts, how deadlines run, and when the Court of Appeals loses jurisdiction in Philippine appeals.
Ombudsman's Power to Preventively Suspend: Due Process in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court upheld the Ombudsman's authority to preventively suspend public officials, clarifying that such suspension is not a penalty and does not violate due process.
Personal Liability of Corporate Directors: Due Process and Bad Faith Standards
When can corporate directors be held personally liable for labor debts? The Supreme Court clarifies due process and bad faith requirements.
Failure of Elections vs Election Protest: Jurisdiction and Pleading Requirements
Supreme Court clarifies when election annulment petitions fall under COMELEC En Banc jurisdiction and why fraud allegations need an election protest.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Seafarer Rights Beyond Company Physician Assessments
Valid Service of Court Orders: When a Security Guard's Receipt Counts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of court orders on a security guard counts as valid receipt, affecting deadlines for appeals.
Electoral Tribunals Exclusive Jurisdiction Challenging Congressional Elections After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between COMELEC's jurisdiction over election annulment and the exclusive authority of electoral tribunals over election contests.
Habeas Corpus and Contempt: When a Judge's Power to Detain Goes Too Far
The Supreme Court reminds judges that contempt powers are drastic and extraordinary, and that habeas corpus protects liberty against judicial overreach.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails When Circumstantial Evidence Falls Short in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court acquits a police officer of murder, ruling that circumstantial evidence and unalleged conspiracy cannot overcome reasonable doubt.
Amendment of Pleadings: When Leave of Court Is Required
Learn when Philippine courts require leave of court for amended pleadings, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Maranan v. Manila Banking Corporation.
Respecting Voters' Intent: The Importance of Liberal Ballot Interpretation in Philippine Elections
How Philippine election law favors liberal ballot appreciation to protect voters' intent, and why courts defer to COMELEC's expertise.
Breach of Confidence When Employee Loyalty Fades Termination MAY BE Justified
When can an employer validly dismiss a confidential employee for breach of trust? The Supreme Court explains the rules in Divine Word College v. Aurelio.
Paraphernal Property vs Conjugal: When Improvements Don't Change Ownership
When does a wife's inherited land become conjugal property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on improvements in Heirs of Vicente Reyes.
When Forged Land Titles Meet Innocent Buyers: Barstowe Philippines Corp. v. Republic
The Supreme Court resolved a clash between two sets of Torrens titles over the same Quezon City land, ruling on which registered owner held the better right.
Employee Dishonesty and Breach of Trust: When Is Dismissal Justified
Explore when Philippine courts uphold dismissal for employee dishonesty and breach of trust, and the due process requirements employers must satisfy.
Estoppel BY Silence When Remaining Silent Nullifies Ownership Claims IN Property Disputes
Credit Card Dishonor and Damages: The Rule from Aznar v. Citibank
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether credit card dishonor alone can make a bank liable for damages, and what a cardholder must prove.
Unreasonable Seizure Reclaiming Property Unlawfully Held BY Authorities
Philippine law on unreasonable seizure and reclaiming property unlawfully held by authorities explained through a landmark Supreme Court decision.
Prescription Period in Illegal Dismissal Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
Learn when the prescriptive period for illegal dismissal claims begins, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and the Labor Code.
Credibility of a Rape Victim's Testimony and the Sweetheart Defense
In People v. Durano, the Supreme Court explained why a rape victim's credible testimony can overcome the "sweetheart defense" and why resistance is not required.
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers in Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in corporate restructuring and its impact on worker protections and employment security.
Public Land vs Private Rights: Resolving Fishpond Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on fishpond sales patents, public land classification, and the limits of government reversion actions.
Forged Signatures VS Notarized Deeds Upholding Authenticity IN Property Disputes
Valid Service of Summons and Corporate Due Process in Philippine Courts
Learn how Philippine courts ensure valid service of summons and corporate due process in civil cases, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.