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Does Your Coffee Break Count as Paid Work Time? Here’s What the Law Says 

Your coffee should be strong, but your workplace rights should be stronger. If your employer is deducting pay for those brief minutes you spend clearing your head at the pantry, something is definitely brewing, and it’s not right under the law.

Untying the Knot: A Guide to Annulment, Nullity, and Legal Separation

Annulment, Nullity, or Legal Separation? Choosing the right path is the first step to your new chapter. Make sure you’re turning the right page for your future.

Starting Over: The Difference Between Void and Voidable

Some marriages are broken; others were never truly there to begin with. Our latest blog breaks down the heart-wrenching but necessary differences between Annulment and a Declaration of Nullity of Marriage.

Breaking the Tie: What is the Difference Between Annulment and Declaration Nullity of Marriage?

Sometimes, you realize too late that you didn’t just marry the wrong person—you entered into a marriage that, legally, may have never even existed.

Is “Name and Shame” a Valid Way to Collect Money in the Philippines?

A single notification can destroy a reputation in seconds. Imagine scrolling through your feed only to see your face in a "Wanted" post or labeled as a "Scammer" in a local group.

A Family in Waiting: How the Law Protects Children Through Mandatory Adoption Rules

The Supreme Court has emphasized that a DSWD certification is a mandatory requirement for all adoption cases, including those where a parent voluntarily surrenders a child.

Pixels of Predation: Court Unmasks the Reality of Digital Grooming

The Supreme Court has sentenced a 68-year-old foreigner to life imprisonment for the qualified trafficking and rape of a minor.

Breaking the Perimeter: Court Affirms the Right of Way for Landlocked Owners

The Supreme Court has affirmed that a property owner whose land is entirely surrounded by other estates is entitled to a legal easement of right of way, provided they pay proper indemnity.

Stars, Signs, and Statutes: High Court Rejects "Mismatched Auras" as Grounds for Termination

The Supreme Court ruled that a company cannot terminate an employee based on superstitious beliefs. In this case, an administrative manager was dismissed after a Feng Shui master claimed her "aura" was a mismatch for the owner.

Within Arm’s Length: SC Defines the Scope of Search Incident to a Lawful Arrest

The Supreme Court has ruled that a warrantless search following a lawful arrest is not limited to items in "plain view." In a recent decision, the Court upheld the conviction of an individual found with illegal drugs hidden inside a cellphone charger.

The Hit in the System: SC Establishes Standards for Voluntary Surrender

"The law may be harsh, but it need not be harsher." With these words, the Supreme Court recognized the voluntary surrender of an accused individual who turned himself in at an NBI office.

Love, Loss, and the Deed: SC Rules Same-Sex Partners Are Co-Owners of Jointly Paid Property

The Supreme Court has recognized the co-ownership rights of same-sex couples regarding property acquired during their relationship.

A Trap in the Algorithm: High Court Affirms Life Sentence for Online Predator

The Supreme Court has affirmed the life sentence of Australian national Martin Cook for the qualified trafficking of four minors.

Logged In, Locked Down: High Court Defines the Rules for Social Media Accountability

The Supreme Court has established clear guidelines for identifying the owner of a social media account in criminal cases. In a recent decision, the Court affirmed that a person can be held liable for online posts even if they deny owning the account.

The Long Flight Home: SC Clarifies Proof for Recognizing Foreign Divorces

The Supreme Court has reminded the public that while foreign divorce laws must be proven in Philippine courts, the focus should be on the country that granted the decree.

Against the Rising Tide: High Court Orders Removal of Coastal Nuisances

Striking a Chord: High Court Sets the Score on Boundary of Fair Use in Music Previews

The Supreme Court has ruled that offering a short 20-second preview of a ringtone before purchase does not violate copyright laws.

Ashes of a Celebration: SC Rejects "Prank" Defense in Tragic New Year Fireworks Blast

The Supreme Court has clarified the boundaries of intent in arson cases. In a ruling involving a fatal fire sparked by a "mother rocket," the Court held that "reckless disregard" is enough to prove malice.

After the Last Order: Court Clarifies Proof of Dismissal for Holiday Absences

The Supreme Court has ruled that employees must first prove they were actually fired before a case for illegal dismissal can proceed.

A Price Too Bright: Supreme Court Shines Light on Improper Christmas Procurement

Government officials must strictly follow public procurement rules, even for seasonal decorations.

In the Spirit of Giving: SC Rules Consistent Bonus Practice is Demandable Right

The Supreme Court has clarified the status of employee bonuses, ruling that when a bonus is integrated into a CBA, it loses its discretionary nature and becomes a guaranteed benefit.

When the Party Ends: SC Rules that Outburst at a Christmas Party Can Lead to Valid Dismissal

The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the dismissal of an employee who hurled obscene and insulting language at his managing director during a company Christmas party.

An Absent Action: SC Decision Reinforces Schools’ Obligation to Safeguard Students

In a case involving a classroom assault, the Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed that a school's contractual obligation to provide a safe learning environment makes it liable for negligence when bullying is ignored.

Talk the Talk: SC Rules Congressional Inquiry Does Not Silence Speech

The Supreme Court has upheld the power of the House of Representatives to conduct legislative inquiries into the spread of online misinformation.

TRUTH IN THE HEART: The SC’s Verdict on Legal Authority and Marital Status

In a recent case, the Supreme Court has reiterated the rule that a marriage is generally valid if one or both parties honestly believe the solemnizing officer has the legal authority to officiate.

The “Due” is Undue: SC Nullifies Foreclosures Over Unfair Bank Interest Rates

Unfair interest rates can void a property foreclosure, according to a recent Supreme Court ruling. The Court nullified the foreclosure of properties after finding that the bank unilaterally imposed the interest rate without the borrower's consent.

WITHDRAWAL OF TRUST: Court Finds Bank Negligence Sufficient Grounds for Moral Damages Claim

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court has reiterated that banks are held to a high standard of diligence and can be liable for moral damages due to negligence. The SC ruled in favor of a couple whose substantial time deposits were illegally withdrawn.

The Full Prognosis: SC Sets the Record Straight on Liability and Patient Understanding

In a medical malpractice case, the Supreme Court has clarified the importance of informed consent.

Not Their Piece of Pie: SC Clears Up Service Charge Theft

The Supreme Court has found two pizza restaurant managers guilty of simple theft for keeping service charges that rightfully belonged to their employees. While the lower courts convicted them of qualified theft.

Ground Zero: Finding Your Place in a Land Dispute

You bought a beautiful piece of land, a perfect spot for your family’s future. The title is in your name, you paid for it fair and square. But when you visit the property, you find someone else already living there.

YOU SHALL NOT PASS: SC Upholds Labor Rights Against Dismissal by Prevention from Work

The Supreme Court of the Philippines recently ruled that barring employees from their jobs without following due process amounts to illegal dismissal.

THE FLAME THAT LOST ITS NAME: Court's Position on Spouse's Neglect of Marital Duties

When words fail, where does the truth lie? The case of People v. Fallones is a striking example of how the law finds truth in the most unexpected places.

Full Tank Redemption: SC Puts the Brakes on Insurance Delays

Like a sword that's never drawn, a right that's never defended is useless. The Ynot v. IAC case drives home the point that a democracy's strength isn't just in the rights it guarantees, but in the people's willingness to use them.

SIN OF A KIN

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ruled that an adoptive uncle cannot be given a harsher penalty for the crime because his relationship with the victim was not legally recognized at the time the crime was committed.

The Moment of Truth

High Court declares time limit for filing bigamy cases begin with actual discovery

Till Death Do Us Part, Or a Secret Does

Marriage is built on a foundation of trust, honesty, and mutual respect. But what happens when that foundation is built on a lie? In the Philippines, the law recognizes that genuine consent is the cornerstone of a valid marriage.