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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Regular vs Probationary Employment: What the Supreme Court Says About Employee Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when probationary employees become regular employees and their right to backwages in illegal dismissal cases.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: When Does It Warrant Dismissal in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee dishonesty justifies dismissal versus when a lesser penalty like separation pay is proper.
State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.
Airline Liability for Lost Luggage: Passenger Rights and Carrier Responsibilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability for lost luggage, passenger rights, and when carriers lose liability limits.
Rape Conviction Based on Victim's Testimony: Understanding Credibility in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a rape conviction can rest solely on the victim's credible testimony, and why force or intimidation is judged from the victim's perspective.
Self-Defense and Conspiracy in Philippine Criminal Law: Lessons from People v. Bernal
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and conspiracy arises in group attacks, using the Bernal brothers' murder conviction as a guide.
Protecting Your Property Rights: The Importance of Notice in Title Cancellation Cases
A Supreme Court ruling reminds courts that property owners with annotated interests must be notified before cancellation of title entries.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Philippine Corporate Officers Are Personally Liable
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers can be held personally liable for labor claims, explaining the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil.
Judicial Accountability: Why Courts Must Follow Procedure in Capital Cases
Philippine Supreme Court annuls death sentence in rape case, reminding trial courts that guilty pleas in capital offenses require full evidentiary proof.
Land Reform and Jurisdiction: Understanding Agrarian Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the DAR, have jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving land transfer certificates.
Due Process Rights in Labor Organization Registration: A Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how the Supreme Court protected due process rights in canceling a labor federation's registration, emphasizing the right to be heard.
Attorney Misconduct Handling Client Funds and Upholding Professional Responsibility
A lawyer who misappropriates client funds, even a small amount, faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Return-to-Work Orders in Philippine Labor Disputes: What Marcopper Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when employers may refuse to accept workers who defy a return-to-work order under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code.
Carnapping With Homicide: Liability and Circumstantial Evidence in Philippine Law
How the Supreme Court upheld a carnapping-with-homicide conviction based on circumstantial evidence, explaining liability rules under RA 6539.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer's Burden of Proof and Employee Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court protects overseas Filipino workers from illegal dismissal, emphasizing the employer's burden of proof and due process rights.
When Does Robbery Become Highway Robbery Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a street robbery becomes highway robbery under PD 532, and explains attempted robbery with homicide.
Court Personnel Accountability: Handling Fiduciary Funds Under Circular 13-92
Branch clerks of court cannot evade accountability for mishandling fiduciary funds. The Supreme Court clarifies rules on bailbond receipts and deposits.
Unregistered Land Rights Trump Mortgages: Due Diligence for Banks in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on State Investment House v. CA: banks must inspect property beyond Torrens title or risk losing to unregistered buyers.
Understanding Finality of Judgments and Avoiding Contempt of Court
Learn how the Supreme Court defines finality of judgments and why filing repeated motions can lead to contempt of court.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Proving Dishonesty for Valid Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, requiring substantial evidence of dishonesty.
Judicial Delay Consequences: Judges Must Decide Cases Within 90 Days
The Supreme Court holds judges administratively liable for failing to decide cases within the 90-day constitutional period, as shown in Lopez v. Alon.
Judicial Ethics: When Should a Judge Inhibit From a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a judge must inhibit from a case to preserve impartiality and avoid the appearance of bias.
Understanding Arbitration Clauses in Philippine Construction Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies that broad arbitration clauses in construction contracts cover all disputes arising from the contract, including claims for fees on work subcontracted by the owner.
Rape Conviction and Credibility: How Intimidation and Witness Testimony Shape Philippine Rape Cases
A look at how Philippine courts weigh witness credibility and intimidation in rape cases, based on a 1996 Supreme Court ruling.