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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Substantial Compliance in Procedure and Jurisdiction Shifts in Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining Suzuki v. De Guzman on procedural rules, substantial compliance, and the transfer of intra-corporate jurisdiction from SEC to RTCs.
Navigating Corporate Disputes Jurisdiction AND Procedural Pitfalls IN Philippine LAW
Learn how Philippine courts handle jurisdiction and procedural errors in corporate disputes, with key takeaways from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Disbarment Case Dismissed for Lack of Clear Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court affirms dismissal of disbarment case against Atty. Teodorico Diesmos, emphasizing the need for clear and convincing evidence in disciplinary proceedings.
Foreshore Rights in the Philippines: When Private Land Meets Public Domain
Philippine foreshore areas are public domain, but private rights can exist. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Co-Ownership Lost by Sale: Acquired Title Prevails Over Unasserted Heirship
When siblings sell inherited land without one heir, the buyer's 30-year possession can defeat the omitted heir's claim. Here's why.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Debt and Issuing Worthless Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to pay debt and issuing checks drawn against a closed account.
When Can a Judge Issue an Arrest Warrant: Limits of Judicial Authority in Preliminary Investigation
Explains when judges may issue arrest warrants during preliminary investigation, citing a 2006 administrative case on judicial authority.
Dismissal of Action: When Certiorari Is the Proper Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari is the proper remedy in Philippine courts, and why the Ombudsman cannot dismiss a complaint based on a prejudicial question.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Understanding Abandonment and the Employer's Burden of Proof
Learn how Philippine courts decide illegal dismissal cases involving abandonment, and why employers must prove just cause and observe due process.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Relax Procedural Rules IN Labor Disputes
Philippine courts may relax procedural rules to achieve substantial justice, as shown in this administrative case against a judge.
Mayor's Personal Deposit of Municipal Checks: Official Misconduct and Probable Cause
Supreme Court ruling on when a mayor's deposit of municipal checks into a personal account constitutes probable cause for graft under RA 3019.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Foreign Exchange Sales: Who Pays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on documentary stamp tax liability for foreign exchange sales to the Central Bank.
Ballot Appreciation Rules and Voter Intent in Philippine Election Contests
How Philippine courts read ballots to honor voter intent, from idem sonans to marked ballots, explained through a barangay election dispute.
IBP Governance and Lawyer Discipline: Suspension for Misuse of Client Funds
Supreme Court suspends IBP president for misusing client funds, clarifies res judicata in disbarment cases, and affirms IBP removal powers.
Electoral Quorum Rules and Grounds for Challenging Election Results
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on COMELEC quorum requirements, ballot appreciation rules, and grounds for challenging election results explained.
Extrinsic Fraud and Indispensable Parties: Protecting Due Process in Civil Actions
When a suit excludes an indispensable party, the judgment may be void. Learn the Rule 47 remedy of annulment for extrinsic fraud.
Judicial Discretion vs Abuse: Understanding the Limits of Administrative Complaints Against Judges in the Phil
When can a judge's error become an administrative offense? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between judicial discretion and abuse.
Attorney Suspended for Failing to Account for Client Funds Withdrawn from Court
Lawyer suspended two years for withdrawing P255,000 in client rentals without accounting, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Laches and Indigenous Land Rights: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Everything
A Supreme Court ruling shows that laches can bar recovery of ancestral land, even when a sale lacked required government approval.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Reinstatement and Backwages Explained
Understand the rights of illegally dismissed employees in the Philippines—reinstatement, full backwages, and other benefits under Article 279 of the Labor Code.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
The Neighborhood Rule in Philippine Election Law: Abad v. Co Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the neighborhood rule in Abad v. Co, ensuring voter intent prevails over technical ballot errors.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he had an extramarital affair and fathered a child, and suspended him from law practice for three years.
Preliminary Injunctions and Bank Deposits: Protecting Depositors' Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that preliminary injunctions preserve the status quo and cannot be used to transfer bank deposits before trial.