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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Just Cause vs. Due Process: Supreme Court on Employee Dismissal and Company Procedure
When is a dismissal valid despite procedural lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause, due process, and nominal damages in labor cases.
Breach of Company Policy in Employee Termination: Due Process Lessons from SURNECO v. Gonzaga
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows that violating your own company procedure during dismissal can cost an employer P30,000 in nominal damages even if the dismissal is valid.
Statutory Rape and Credibility: What People v. Piosang Teaches Philippine Litigants
A child rape conviction shows how Philippine courts weigh a young victim's testimony, reject alibi, and fix penalties and damages under the Revised Penal Code.
Consumer Rights vs Electric Utilities: Supreme Court Upholds Damages for Breach of Compromise Agreement
Supreme Court rules electric cooperatives must honor compromise agreements, awarding damages to consumers for repeated billing harassment and disconnection threats.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Credibility of Minor Victim and Exemplary Damages
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction based on minor victim's credible testimony and reinstates exemplary damages awards for each count.
Judge Dinopol Case: Due Process and Judicial Immunity in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court found Judge Oscar Dinopol guilty of gross ignorance of the law for issuing arrest orders without notice and hearing, but shielded him from civil damages.
Reckless Driving vs. Employee Rights: When Can a Driver Be Dismissed?
A bus driver's dismissal for reckless driving and dishonesty was upheld, but the employer still paid damages for skipping the twin-notice rule.
Hotel Liability After Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers: When a Guest’s Own Negligence Bars Damages
A guest’s own negligence can defeat a hotel injury claim. Learn the quasi-delict rules from Huang v. Philippine Hoteliers, Inc.
Diplomatic Immunity vs Personal Accountability: The Limits of Privilege
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic immunity, privacy rights, and personal liability for damages under the Civil Code.
Invasion of Privacy, Diplomats, and the Limits of Official Duty
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on diplomatic residence privacy, damages for invasion of privacy, and procedural rules in Rule 45 petitions.
Bank Liability for Altered Checks and Employee Misconduct: Lessons from Westmont Bank v. Dela Rosa-Ramos
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks are liable for altered checks and negligent employees, and how depositor contributory negligence affects damages.
Airline Liability for Breach of Contract When Confirmed Bookings Are Cancelled
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on airline liability when confirmed bookings are cancelled, covering damages, joint liability, and passenger rights.
Accountability for Band Robbery and Kidnapping: Upholding Victim Rights and Public Safety
Supreme Court affirms convictions for robbery by a band and kidnapping for ransom, clarifying penalties, damages, and the weight of witness credibility.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Statutory Rape and the Indelible Duty to Safeguard Children in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, explaining statutory rape, the rules on proving a child's age, and damages for child victims.
Negligence Beyond Contract: Recovering Damages From Third Parties in Philippine Carriage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how passengers can recover damages from third-party tortfeasors in breach of carriage cases.
Refusal to Obey and Dismissal: Lessons from Realda v. New Age Graphics
When can an employer fire a worker for refusing overtime? The Realda case explains just cause, due process, and nominal damages.
Surety's Liability Under Performance Bonds: Philippine Charter Insurance v. Petroleum Distributors
When a performance bond covers a building contract, a surety's liability includes liquidated damages. This case explains the rules.
When Is a Bus Company Liable for Accidents? Employer Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bus company liability for driver negligence, damages, and employer responsibility under civil law.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: Nominal Damages for Procedural Lapses
Learn how Philippine labor law treats dismissals for just cause without procedural due process, and when courts award nominal damages.
Breach of Contract in Construction: Completion, Damages, and Mutual Breach Under Philippine Law
When both contractor and client breach a construction contract, Philippine courts equitably adjust damages. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Parental Liability in Statutory Rape: Philippine Law and Child Protection
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies statutory rape by a parent, penalties under RA 9346, and damages awarded to minor victims.
When Dust Settles Lawsuits Rise Understanding Neighbor Disputes and Damages from Construction in the Philippin
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction dust and debris entitle a neighbor to damages, distinguishing moral from nominal damages.
Moral Ascendancy in Rape Cases: Understanding Consent and Legal Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains how moral ascendancy replaces force in incestuous rape, and clarifies the applicable law and damages.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling on murder clarifies dying declarations, abuse of superior strength, and damages in criminal cases.