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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Fixed Term vs Project Employment: Protecting Workers' Security of Tenure
Philippine law on fixed-term and project employment, and how the Supreme Court protects workers' security of tenure against circumvention.
Judicial Duty VS Neglect Balancing Discretion AND Diligence IN Search Warrant Issuance
Lost in Procedure: Supreme Court Upholds Strict Compliance With Appeal Rules
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to comply with Section 21 of RA 9165, emphasizing strict procedural compliance.
Judicial Oversight Neglect IN Monitoring Search Warrant Returns AND THE Duty OF Diligence
Safeguarding Chain of Custody: How Improper Handling of Evidence Leads to Acquittal in Drug Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that police lapses in drug evidence handling, particularly missing inventory and photos, can warrant acquittal.
Speedy Disposition Right: Dismissal for Inordinate Delay in Filing Cases
When the Ombudsman takes over seven years to file charges, the right to speedy disposition is violated and cases may be dismissed.
Prejudicial Question Doctrine Resolving Conflicting Land Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified jurisdiction in reversion suits versus annulment of judgment, and what this means for land title disputes.
Reversion of Land Jurisdiction Lies Where the Title Is Challenged, Not the Judgment Itself
When a land title is attacked as spurious, the reversion case in court bars administrative cancellation of a leasehold agreement over the same property.
Calendar Days vs. Working Days: How Suspensions Are Counted for Philippine Government Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies that suspensions for government employees are served in calendar days, including weekends and holidays, not working days.
Disbarment for Sexual Harassment and Exploitation: Lessons from Atty. De Los Reyes
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for sextortion and gross immorality, reaffirming that good moral character is a continuing requirement for lawyers.
When Can an Association Represent Its Members in Court? Standing to Sue Explained
The Supreme Court explains when an association can sue for its members, and why lack of legal capacity to sue is fatal to a petition.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Misappropriation of Court Funds
A clerk of court who failed to remit collections and submit reports was dismissed for gross dishonesty, grave misconduct, and gross neglect of duty.
Finality Prevails: Annulment of Judgment Barred by Laches in Forcible Entry Case
Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in seeking annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring the remedy despite claims of lack of jurisdiction.
When Police Dismissal Orders Take Effect: The PO2 Mayo Case
A police officer's dismissal is not immediately executory when an appeal is filed, but becomes final once the DILG confirms it.
Buyer in Good Faith and Foreclosure Sales: When a Defective Auction Still Stands
The Supreme Court explains when a buyer in good faith can keep property even if the foreclosure sale had procedural defects.
Graft and Conspiracy: Public Officials' Liability in Disadvantageous Contracts
Explains when public officers and private persons may be held liable for graft under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 for disadvantageous government contracts.
Good Faith IN Property Sales Protecting Buyers Without Notice OF Claims
Laches and Jurisdiction: Upholding Final Judgments in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that a four-year delay in filing an annulment of judgment constitutes laches, barring property claims.
PNP Dismissal Orders: When Are They Immediately Executory?
The Supreme Court clarifies when PNP dismissal orders are immediately executory and how appeals to the National Appellate Board affect enforcement.
Dismissal Upheld: Intra-Corporate Disputes Belong in Commercial Courts
Supreme Court rules a shareholder's ejectment suit against corporate officers is an intra-corporate dispute, not a simple forcible entry case.
Legal Interest on Loans: When Courts Impose Compensatory Interest in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest applies to unpaid loans, distinguishing monetary from compensatory interest under Nacar guidelines.
Finality of Judgment vs Due Process: Balancing Legal Principles in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when finality of judgment prevails over due process claims in labor cases, citing Citibank v. Andres.
Safeguarding Property Rights Strict Compliance IN TAX Delinquency Sales
Defiance and Dismissal: Understanding Illegal Strikes and Return-to-Work Orders in the Philippines
When pilots defied a return-to-work order, the Supreme Court upheld their dismissal. Learn the legal consequences of illegal strikes.