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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Choosing the Right Legal Path: Appeals From Voluntary Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle appeals from voluntary arbitration decisions and why choosing the right legal remedy matters.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Neglect of Client Affairs Leads to Suspension
A lawyer's failure to diligently pursue a client's case warrants suspension from practice, as shown in this Philippine disciplinary case.
Protecting Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Security OF Tenure Prevails Over Ejectment Claims
Default Judgments and Due Process: Ensuring Fair Notice in Legal Proceedings
Learn how the Supreme Court protects due process in default judgments, emphasizing fair notice and the proper remedy for appealing decisions.
Disbarment for Infidelity: Moral Standards in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for marital infidelity, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for all members of the bar.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Mandatory Bond Requirement and Its Exceptions
Learn why posting an appeal bond is mandatory in labor cases, when exceptions apply, and how a motion to reduce bond affects the appeal period.
Judicial Ethics Substantiating Claims OF Bribery Against Judges
Trust Betrayed When Managerial Dismissal Requires Solid Proof in Philippine Law
Managerial employees can be dismissed for loss of trust, but Philippine law requires substantial evidence—not mere suspicion—to justify termination.
Dismissal of Managerial Employee for Loss of Trust and Confidence: PLDT v. Tolentino
When can a company validly dismiss a managerial employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Due Process and Appeal Rights in Land Title Disputes: Apuyan v. Haldeman
A look at Apuyan v. Haldeman on appeal perfection, final orders, and free patent requirements in Philippine land disputes.
When Court Personnel Act Without Authority: A Lesson in Administrative Discipline
A judge and court staff were disciplined for transferring court operations without prior approval. A clear lesson on administrative authority.
Bouncing Checks and Subsidiary Imprisonment: What BP 22 Violators Face
Can a BP 22 violator be jailed for failing to pay fines? The Supreme Court explains subsidiary imprisonment rules.
Upholding Judicial Authority: The Consequences of Unauthorized Court Transfers
A judge and court staff were disciplined for moving a court's station without prior Supreme Court approval. Learn the rules and risks.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
Unilateral Contract Termination: When GSIS Can Rescind Agreements
When can a party unilaterally terminate a contract? The Supreme Court explains valid cause and contractual rights in Astroland v. GSIS.
Can Employers Restrict Employee Marriages to Competitors? The Glaxo Case
The Supreme Court upholds a drug company's policy against employees marrying competitor employees, citing management prerogative and conflict-of-interest prevention.
Disbarment for Bigamous Marriage and Betrayal of Client Trust
A lawyer who married his client's daughter while still married was disbarred for grossly immoral conduct and betrayal of trust.
COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.