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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Diminution of Benefits: Government Employee Compensation and PCSO Board Authority
SC ruling on PCSO allowances disallowed by COA: board authority limits, non-diminution of benefits, and officer liability explained.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Balancing Efficiency and Due Process: The 60-Day Certiorari Rule in Court Operations
Examining Puregold v. Court of Appeals, which underscores the strict 60-day period for certiorari and the binding effect of counsel's receipt of orders.
Safeguarding Justice: Upholding the Right to Speedy Disposition in Ombudsman Cases
The Supreme Court reaffirms that inordinate delay in Ombudsman preliminary investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Prescription in Tax Assessments: Waivers Must Be Strictly Compliant for Validity
Waivers of the tax prescription period are strictly construed. Missing the BIR's date of acceptance voids them, and assessments without due dates fail.
Balancing Justice and Compassion: When Can Attorney Sanctions Be Reduced
A lawyer’s sincere remorse and restitution can reduce a suspension, but not erase the wrong done to the profession.
Judicial Clemency After Dismissal: The Supreme Court’s Refined Standards
The Supreme Court refines the rules on judicial clemency for dismissed judges, requiring proof of remorse, reformation, and a five-year minimum period.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Inordinate Delay Leads to Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in preliminary investigation violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases, leading to dismissal.
Enforcing Foreign Judgments Philippine Courts Balance Comity AND Domestic Policy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on enforcing foreign judgments, service of summons, and limits on interest awards.
Navigating the Nuances of Rape Convictions and Appeals in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies appeal rules for rape convictions with reclusion perpetua, and the limits of automatic review.
Upholding Fiscal Responsibility: The Limits of PCSO's Authority in Granting Employee Benefits
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of PCSO employee benefits, clarifying limits on board authority and liability rules.
Inordinate Delay in Election Offense Cases: Protecting Your Right to Speedy Disposition
Learn how the Supreme Court protects the right to speedy disposition of cases, using the Figueroa v. Sandiganbayan ruling as a guide.
Quantum Meruit: Fair Compensation for Government Contracts Despite Procedural Flaws
When can a contractor recover payment for services rendered to the government despite an invalid contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Held Civilly Liable Despite Acquittal In Illegal Funds Transfer Case
Acquittal in a criminal case does not erase civil liability. The Supreme Court explains why public officials must still answer for negligent handling of public funds.
Financial Support and Psychological Violence: Understanding the Limits of the VAWC Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that mere failure to provide financial support is not enough for conviction under the VAWC Law's psychological violence provision.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriages: The Claur Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in nullifying marriages, applying the Tan-Andal guidelines.
Tax Assessment Validity: Waivers and Due Dates Under Scrutiny
The Supreme Court nullified BIR deficiency assessments for First Gas Power due to defective waivers and missing due dates, clarifying prescriptive period rules.
Overcoming the Presumption in Seafarer Disability Claims and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the disputable presumption of work-relatedness in seafarer disability claims, and the mandatory third-doctor referral rule.
Time Limits in Medical Negligence Claims: Understanding Prescription in Philippine Law
When does a medical negligence claim expire in the Philippines? The Supreme Court clarifies the four-year prescription period for tort-based actions.
Constructive Dismissal: Defining Unbearable Working Conditions in Philippine Labor Law
When does a difficult work environment become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the test in a seafarer's resignation case.
Seafarers' Disability Claims: Overcoming Concealment and Securing Benefits Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to disclose pre-existing illness bars disability claims and how to secure benefits.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.