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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Navigating Seafarers' Rights to Disability Benefits in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Blue Manila v. Jamias
Learn how the Supreme Court protects seafarers' disability claims when company doctors fail to give complete medical assessments.
Determining Employee Status: The Fine Line Between Employment and Partnership in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers are employees, not partners, and the legal consequences for dismissal in the Philippines.
Attorneys' Fees in Estate Recovery: Insights from the Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies mandatory personal notice to known heirs in probate proceedings and its impact on estate recovery.
Understanding Treachery in Murder Cases: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Decision
A look at how Philippine courts define treachery in murder cases, using People v. Pereira to explain the rules on qualifying circumstances, self-defense, and damages.
Child Abuse Under Philippine Law: Masturbation in a Minor's Presence
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is child abuse under R.A. 7610, not just unjust vexation.
Good Faith Purchases and Property Rights: What Buyers Must Prove Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when buyers of registered land are truly "innocent purchasers" and what they must prove to keep property.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Protecting OFWs from Fake Recruiters
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what overseas Filipino workers should watch out for.
Masturbation in a Child's Presence Is Child Abuse Under RA 7610: De Vera v. People
The Supreme Court rules that masturbating in front of a minor is psychological abuse under Section 10(a) of RA 7610, not mere unjust vexation.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Contractor Becomes a Mere Agent of the Employer
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Ortiz v. Forever Richsons, protecting regular employees from illegal dismissal.
Robbery With Intimidation in the Digital Age: When Online Threats Become a Crime
The Supreme Court affirms that using Facebook threats to extort money constitutes robbery with intimidation under Philippine law.
Probate Notices: Personal Notification of Known Heirs Is Mandatory in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that publication alone is not enough; known heirs must receive personal notice in probate proceedings.
Judicial Clemency in the Philippines: Lessons from the Ong Case
The Supreme Court partly grants former Sandiganbayan Justice Ong's plea for judicial clemency, restoring benefits and lifting reemployment ban.
Understanding Judicial Misconduct: Bias and Ignorance in Estate Administration
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's gross ignorance of the law and bias in estate proceedings, and the penalties imposed.
Burden of Proof and Inconsistent Testimony: Acquittal in Robbery with Rape Case
The Supreme Court acquits in a robbery with rape case due to material inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence, underscoring the burden of proof.
Lawyer Client Trust: Fiduciary Duties and Misconduct in Property Transactions
When a lawyer fails to account for client funds in a property transfer, the Supreme Court explains the fiduciary duty and consequences.
Government Contract Disputes: Documentation and Due Process in Graft Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on graft liability shows why documentation and due process are critical in government procurement and contract implementation.
Client Money and Bouncing Checks: A Lawyer’s Fiduciary Duty After Bernasconi v. Demaisip
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer suspension clarifies the strict fiduciary duty to account for client funds and the consequences of issuing bouncing checks.
The Fiduciary Duty of Banks in Loan Accounting: A Guide to Metrobank v. Cruz
The Supreme Court affirms that banks owe clients a fiduciary duty to keep accurate loan records and render full accounting, beyond any internal retention policy.
Seafarer Rights and Agency Duties: The Corpuz Case on POEA Contract Substitution
A Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, the 3-day medical exam rule, and agency liability for contract substitution.
Theft by Misappropriation of Found Property: What Philippine Law Requires
Philippine law punishes keeping found property as theft. Learn the finder's duties and key lessons from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Navigating the Fine Line: Gross Inexcusable Negligence in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public officer's acts amount to gross inexcusable negligence under the Anti-Graft Law, using a sequestered corporation case.
Understanding Psychological Violence Under RA 9262: Insights From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes psychological violence under RA 9262, including marital infidelity, hearsay exceptions, and penalties.
Understanding the Right of Redemption for Agricultural Tenants in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the 180-day period and consignation requirement for agricultural tenants' right of redemption under RA 3844.
Grave Misconduct and Serious Dishonesty: Lessons from Pantaleon v. Ombudsman-Mindanao
A revenue clerk's unauthorized lending of public funds led to dismissal. The Supreme Court explains grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.