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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When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Appeals to the Commission on Audit
The Supreme Court clarifies that a client is bound by counsel's negligence in COA appeals, absent diligent follow-up.
Rehabilitation OR Liquidation Evaluating Financial Feasibility IN Corporate Distress
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate rehabilitation should be denied in favor of liquidation, requiring material financial commitments and liquidation analysis.
Upholding PhilHealth's Authority: Balancing Public Health and Financial Sustainability
The Supreme Court upholds PhilHealth's premium rate increases, affirming the state insurer's authority to set contributions for financial sustainability.
PhilHealth Premium Hikes Upheld: When Courts Respect Agency Discretion
The Supreme Court upheld PhilHealth's 2014 premium increases, explaining the limits of judicial review over administrative agencies' policy decisions.
Clarifying Debt Liability When Personal Obligations Meet Family Debts
Supreme Court clarifies when assuming a parent's debt creates novation and when interest is due under Philippine law.
Tenant's Right of Redemption: Written Notice and Payment Requirements Under Agrarian Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies agricultural lessee's right of redemption, written notice requirements, and tender payment obligations under R.A. 3844.
Employer's Duty to Bargain and the Consequences of Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer's duty to bargain with the certified union and the consequences of unfair labor practices.
Tenant Redemption Rights: Tender of Payment Required in Agrarian Land Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian tenants must tender or consign the redemption price to validly exercise their right of redemption.
Receivership in Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Courts May Take Over a Corporation
The Supreme Court clarifies the strict requirements for appointing a receiver or management committee in intra-corporate disputes under the Interim Rules.
OGCC Authority Over GOCC Legal Representation Clarified in Land Bank Replevin Case
Supreme Court clarifies OGCC's authority over GOCC legal representation, allowing LBP Legal Services to participate with OGCC consent in replevin cases.
Right of Way Ownership: Servient Estate and Easement Acquisition Rules
Supreme Court clarifies who owns a road right of way and how easements are acquired under Philippine law.
When a Child Victim’s Sole Testimony Suffices to Convict in Rape Cases
The Supreme Court affirms a qualified rape conviction based on the credible, consistent testimony of a four-year-old victim, explaining when a sole account is enough.
Union Security Clauses and Due Process: Yumang v. RPN 9
When can an employer terminate an employee expelled by a union? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process required under union security clauses.
Upholding Drug Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody and Section 21 Compliance
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, explaining when procedural non-compliance does not affect guilt.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Conviction Upheld for Rape of a Minor
Supreme Court affirms rape convictions of two men against a 13-year-old, clarifying rules on victim testimony, resistance, and damages.
Constructive Dismissal: When Cutting Work Hours Violates Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when reducing work hours becomes constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify it.
Due Process in Administrative Proceedings: The Right to Be Heard Before Liability Is Imposed
The Supreme Court reaffirms that administrative due process requires a real opportunity to be heard before liability is imposed, not just a motion for reconsideration.
The Lingering Shadow: When Incomplete Investigations Fail to Protect Rights
The Supreme Court's 2016 ruling in Balao v. Ermita shows how the writ of amparo keeps investigations alive when rights remain unprotected.
Lawyer Suspended Five Years for Dishonest Land Deal and Disregard of Court Orders
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for five years for deceiving a seller in a land deal and ignoring court and IBP orders.
Good Faith Possession Determining Rights AND Obligations IN Land USE Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how good faith possession affects rights and obligations in land use disputes, citing Civil Code provisions.
Judicial Stability: Why Co-Equal Courts Cannot Interfere With Each Other's Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of judicial stability, barring co-equal courts from interfering with each other's orders and judgments.
Reckoning the Two-Year Prescriptive Period for DST Refund Claims: PBCom v. CIR
When does the two-year prescriptive period for a documentary stamp tax refund claim begin for metering machine users? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Misconduct in the Workplace: Defining the Boundaries of Trust and Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when serious misconduct justifies dismissal and the evidentiary standard employers must meet.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Agrarian Reform: A Case Analysis
The Supreme Court reminds courts that procedural rules should serve, not override, substantial justice in agrarian reform cases.