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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The Compassionate Exception: When Can a Lawfully Dismissed Employee Receive Separation Pay
Philippine law generally denies separation pay to employees dismissed for just cause, but a compassionate exception exists. Learn the rules.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Breach of Trust or Harsh Penalty: Separation Pay for Dismissed Acting Employees
Philippine law allows separation pay even for valid dismissal, except for serious misconduct or moral character issues. Learn the rules.
Judicial Discretion in Issuing Arrest Warrants: Balancing Rights and Efficiency in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges have sound discretion in issuing arrest warrants, not a ministerial duty, in Sesbreño v. Judge Aglugub.
Collateral Attacks ON Land Titles Upholding THE Integrity OF THE Torrens System IN Property Disputes
Finality of Judgments: Late Docket Fee Payment Dooms Appeal in Meatmasters Case
Learn how late payment of appellate docket fees affects judgment finality, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Meatmasters v. Lelis.
Retirement Pay Disputes: Reconciling Vouchers and Clearances in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on separation pay for validly dismissed employees, balancing social justice with employer trust and confidence standards.
Residency Redefined: Abandonment and Reacquisition in Philippine Election Law
How a mayor who once lived in the US reclaimed Philippine residency for election purposes, and what the ruling means for candidates.
Balancing Attorney Conduct: Upholding Dignity While Protecting Due Process in Legal Practice
SC ruling clarifies that pending criminal cases do not automatically warrant lawyer suspension, but offensive language against opposing counsel remains sanctionable.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.
Mining Disputes vs Judicial Questions: Jurisdiction of the Panel of Arbitrators
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Panel of Arbitrators has jurisdiction over mining disputes and when regular courts should hear cases involving contract validity.
Upholding Property Rights: Valid Ownership in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that valid ownership is essential in ejectment cases, and only a true landowner can establish tenancy.
Strikes at Sea: Balancing Seafarer Rights and Disciplinary Procedures in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer dismissal for joining a strike, emphasizing due process in maritime disciplinary procedures.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
When a Judge's Private Letter Undermines Judicial Impartiality
Supreme Court reprimands a judge for writing university officials about his wife's cases, violating judicial conduct rules on impartiality.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
When a Judge Writes a Letter: Judicial Conduct and the Appearance of Impropriety
A judge's letter to university officials about his wife's criminal cases led to a reprimand. Learn the limits of judicial conduct.
When a Judge's Private Act Crosses the Line: Lessons from Perez v. Costales
A judge's letter to university officials about his wife's cases was reprimanded for impropriety. Learn the boundaries of judicial conduct.
Judicial Accountability Good Faith VS Gross Error IN Philippine Courts
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.