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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Illegal Dismissal Abandonment As A Defense FOR Employers IN THE Philippines
When can employers validly claim abandonment as a defense against illegal dismissal claims? Learn the legal rules and requirements.
When Dismissal Is Too Harsh: Proportionality in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court rules that dismissal can be disproportionate to an employee's offense, awarding separation pay instead of reinstatement.
When a Judge Reviews His Own Ruling: Due Process in Philippine Labor Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling on why a labor arbiter cannot review his own decision on appeal, and the due process rights of dismissed employees.
Conspiracy vs Individual Liability in Philippine Criminal Law: A Clear Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies when separate attacks by co-accused do not amount to conspiracy, requiring proof beyond reasonable doubt for each element.
Receivership in the Philippines: When Courts Appoint a Receiver Under Rule 59
Learn when Philippine courts may appoint a receiver under Rule 59, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Commodities Storage & Ice Plant Corp. v. CA.
Ejectment Cases: When Does Destruction of Property Terminate Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, lease termination, and jurisdiction when leased property is destroyed by fire.
When a Wage Order Exemption Fails: The Distressed Establishment Rule
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on wage order exemptions for distressed establishments and the cut-off for measuring losses.
When Does Alibi Fail: Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why alibi fails against positive identification, and when moral damages are not awarded in criminal cases.
Confessions and Constitutional Rights: Safeguarding the Accused in Custodial Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on inadmissible uncounselled confessions and the constitutional rights of persons under custodial investigation.
Wage Order Exemptions: Understanding Distressed Establishment Criteria in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how the interim period is computed for distressed establishment exemptions from wage orders in the Philippines.
Freight Charges and Estoppel: Understanding Contractual Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies BOT turnover obligations, quantum meruit, and liability for irregular government disbursements in COA disallowance case.
Serious Misconduct in the Workplace: Understanding Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains what constitutes serious misconduct and the due process requirements for valid employee dismissal in the Philippines.
When Can a Court Employee Be Dismissed for Immorality: The Badel Case
The Supreme Court explains when immorality warrants dismissal versus suspension for court employees, using the Badel case as a guide.
Timber License Agreements and Laches: Lessons from C & M Timber v. Alcala
The Supreme Court clarifies laches, policy shifts, and the revocable nature of timber licenses in C & M Timber v. Alcala.
Rape and Incest in the Philippines: Understanding Familial Sexual Abuse Laws
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law treats rape committed by a father against his daughter, including the role of moral ascendancy.
Seaworthiness and Insurance Subrogation in Philippine Maritime Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on shipowner liability for unseaworthy vessels, insurer subrogation rights, and the limited liability rule.
Self-Defense in the Philippines: When Can You Justifiably Use Force?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies self-defense requirements and when force is justified. Learn from the Moreno case.
Intra-Corporate Disputes: When SEC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Regular Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dispute between stockholders falls under SEC jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Real Property Tax Sales: Why Proper Notice and Jurisdiction Matter
The Supreme Court nullifies a tax delinquency sale for lack of notice to the owner and absence of local government jurisdiction.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish equitable mortgages from absolute sales to protect property owners from hidden credit arrangements.
Breach of Trust in Employment: When Is Dismissal Justified?
A 1997 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that loss of trust and confidence must rest on a clear, willful breach — not on an honest misunderstanding over allowances.
Rape and Consent: How Philippine Law Treats Force, Intimidation, and a Victim's Testimony
In People v. Rabosa, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction and explained why physical resistance, healed lacerations, and calm behavior do not defeat a victim's testimony.
Perfecting Contracts Understanding Offer Acceptance AND Reconveyance IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what makes a binding contract, and why reconveyance is not a substitute for rescission.
Estate Tax Collection: BIR Authority vs. Probate Court Jurisdiction
Supreme Court ruling on whether the BIR can levy estate properties without probate court approval, and the finality of tax assessments.