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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction in Malversation and Illegal Use of Public Funds: The Barriga Doctrine on Conspiracy
Learn when the Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over malversation and illegal use of public funds, even if the accused is not an accountable officer, based on the Barriga ruling.
Retrenchment vs Retirement: Employee Rights and Quitclaims in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenched employees may claim retirement benefits and when quitclaims bar further claims.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Parties in Property Transactions
When is a deed of sale really a loan? The Supreme Court explains how courts look beyond documents to protect vulnerable parties.
Expired Firearm License Extension Leads to Acquittal in Illegal Possession Case
Supreme Court acquits gun owner whose expired license fell under PNP's 2014 extension, applying mandatory judicial notice.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Unreasonable Fees in Client Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for neglecting client's case and charging exorbitant fees, reinforcing ethical duties under the CPR.
Substantial Justice Prevails Overlooking Technicalities IN Court Petitions
Defiance in the Courtroom: Upholding the Finality of Judicial Decisions and Consequences for Contempt
When a Supreme Court decision becomes final, defiance has consequences. This case explains indirect contempt and the immutability of judgments.
Common Carrier Liability: Negligence and Fortuitous Events in Cargo Loss
When cargo is lost at sea, who pays? Philippine law on common carriers, negligence, and the act of God defense explained.
Government Lawyer Suspended for Unauthorized Practice and Grave Misconduct
A CHR lawyer was suspended one year for issuing unauthorized orders, practicing law without approval, and falsifying daily time records.
Ombudsman's Discretion Prevails: Challenging Prosecutorial Decisions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms the Ombudsman's broad discretion in prosecutorial decisions, clarifying limits on challenging dismissals of motions to quash.
Incestuous Sexual Abuse: When It Is Acts of Lasciviousness, Not RA 7610
SC clarifies when incestuous lewd acts on a sleeping child are acts of lasciviousness under the RPC, not RA 7610.
Truth AND Honesty IN Legal Practice Attorneys Duty TO THE Court
Senior Citizen Discounts as Tax Credits: Ensuring Equitable Compensation for Private Establishments
The Supreme Court clarifies that the 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not a mere deduction, ensuring fair treatment for private establishments.
Danzas v. Daguman: When Retrenchment and Closure Are Used to Disguise Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court ruled that an employer claiming retrenchment or closure must prove it with audited financial statements — and that quitclaims signed on false premises do not bind workers.
Burden of Proof in Wage Disputes: Employers Must Prove Full Payment of Agreed Salaries
In G & M (Phils.), Inc. v. Cruz, the Supreme Court held that an employer claiming full payment of wages bears the burden of proving it, not the worker.
Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Duty and Failure to Serve Client With Diligence
A lawyer who accepted fees but failed to act on a client's case was suspended for six months and ordered to return the money.
Emancipation Patent Cancellation: Land Cultivation and Tenant Rights Under Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on when an emancipation patent can be cancelled for violating agrarian reform rules on personal cultivation and tenancy.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure for Sugar Plantation Workers
When are sugar plantation workers regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not seasonal workers? The Supreme Court explains in Hacienda Bino v. Cuenca.
Locus Standi in Philippine Courts: Who Can Challenge Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal standing (locus standi) in Domingo v. Carague, clarifying who may challenge government actions.
Notarizing a Deed After the Signer's Death: Disbarment for a Notary Public
A notary public was disbarred for notarizing a Special Power of Attorney after the supposed signer had died. Learn the ethical rule.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Vulnerable Grantors in Property Transactions
When a deed of absolute sale is actually an equitable mortgage, courts look at intent and circumstances, not just the document's title.
Upholding Court Integrity: A Clerk's Duty to Safeguard Records
A Supreme Court ruling reminds lawyers and court personnel that falsifying or mishandling official records is serious misconduct that can cost them their career.
When Is a Judge Liable for Ignorance of the Law? Lessons from Barredo-Fuentes v. Albarracin
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not liable for mere legal errors absent bad faith, and warns against harassment suits.
Finality of Factual Findings in Labor Cases: The Burden of Proving Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on finality of NLRC factual findings and the employer's burden to prove payment of wages in labor disputes.