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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Strikes and Public Service: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Government Employment
Public school teachers who joined a 1990 mass action were disciplined for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining Possession in Bank Teller Cases
When does a bank teller's misappropriation of funds constitute qualified theft rather than estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Work Reduction Becomes Unfair Labor Practice
When does reducing workdays become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Unicorn Safety Glass v. Basarte.
Fair Comment vs Defamation: Protecting Free Speech in Political Campaigns
The Supreme Court explains when critical articles about political candidates are protected fair comment, not libel.
Upholding Regional Autonomy National Laws Must Respect Powers of Muslim Mindanao
The Supreme Court affirms that national laws cannot override ARMM autonomy, striking down a law that encroached on devolved powers.
Constructive Dismissal: The Employer's Duty to Offer Reasonable Assignments
When a security guard was left without assignments for months after his post ended, the Supreme Court ruled this constituted constructive dismissal.
Court Orders Are Not Requests: Disciplinary Action for Lawyers Who Disregard Them
A lawyer's failure to obey court and IBP orders is disrespect for the judiciary and can draw disciplinary sanctions.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Technicalities Give Way to Justice in Appellate Procedure
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements suffices; cases should be decided on merits, not technicalities.
Certiorari Petitions: Substantial Compliance With Procedural Rules For Timely Review
SC rules substantial compliance with Rule 42 requirements may excuse dismissal of petitions for review, protecting the right to appeal.
Mass Actions by Government Teachers: When Peaceful Assembly Becomes an Offense
Public school teachers who joined mass actions in 1990 were held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
LGU Right to Immediate Possession in Expropriation: City of Iloilo v. Legaspi
When can an LGU take immediate possession of private property in expropriation? The Supreme Court explains the 15% deposit rule.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
Corporate Dissolution and Labor Claims: Can a Company Evade Its Obligations?
A dissolved corporation remains liable for labor claims within three years of dissolution. Learn what Pepsi-Cola v. CA means for workers.
Supreme Court: DBM Must Implement Judicial Rulings on Judges' Benefits
The Supreme Court directs DBM to release disability benefits to judges' heirs, affirming that judicial interpretation of law is final and binding.
Attorney Suspended for Misconduct Involving Client Funds and Dishonored Checks
A lawyer's one-year suspension for withholding client settlement funds and violating trust obligations under Canon 16 of the CPR.
Integrity in Public Service: Disciplining Dishonest Timekeeping in the Judiciary
A lawyer's duty to account for client funds is absolute. This case shows the consequences of breach.
Accountability IN Judiciary Judge Fined FOR Neglect OF Duty AND Falsifying Certificates
Forum Shopping Certification and Corporate Representation: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Learn the Philippine Supreme Court's rules on forum shopping certifications, corporate representation, and who must sign pleadings to avoid dismissal.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Injunction Power in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's void writ of injunction clarifies the territorial and procedural limits of injunctive relief in the Philippines.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
When Is a Company Liable for an Agent's Unauthorized Acts? The Manila Memorial Park Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is bound by an agent's unauthorized acts, and when third persons must bear the risk.
Letters OF Credit Upholding Independence IN Contractual Obligations
Overlapping Land Titles: Registration Date and Reconstitution Validity in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve conflicting land titles, weighing registration dates, reconstitution validity, and evidence of ownership.