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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Stare Decisis in Retrenchment Cases: When Prior Rulings Bind Similar Claims
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to deny reconsideration in a retrenchment case, affirming that identical issues and parties with common interest are bound by prior rulings.
Discovery Rights in Administrative Proceedings: Balancing Efficiency and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies when modes of discovery may be denied in administrative cases, balancing efficiency with due process in PHIC proceedings.
Due Process in Membership Termination: The Imperative of Proper Notice in Non-Stock Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Valley Golf clarifies that terminating a non-stock corporation membership requires proper notice under substantial justice principles.
Open Space vs Private Property: Resolving Subdivision Land Disputes in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when subdivision open spaces remain private property, and the limits of homeowners' claims over them.
Incestuous Rape: Upholding Parental Moral Ascendancy and Protecting Minor Victims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father figure, clarifying force, minority as aggravating circumstance, and damages.
Simulated Contracts: When a Deed of Sale Isn't Really a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of sale is absolutely simulated and void, using Tanchuling v. Cantela as a guide.
Open Spaces and Private Land: What Talayan Village Teaches About Donations and Subdivision Parks
The Supreme Court ruled that a subdivision block used for years as a park remained private land because the donation of it was never accepted by the city government.
Corporate Stock Transfers: Why Registration in Corporate Books Is Mandatory
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unregistered stock transfers do not confer stockholder rights like voting or calling meetings.
Upholding Integrity: Attorney Liability for Altered Notarial Documents
A lawyer who alters a notarized document without proper safeguards faces suspension and loss of notarial commission, as ruled by the Supreme Court.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: What People v. Dalawis Teaches
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in Section 21 drug evidence rules do not void a conviction.
Compromise and Complicity: How Settlement With One Party Affects Liability of Others in Securities Fraud
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether settling with one defendant in a securities fraud case extinguishes liability of other alleged co-conspirators.
When a Transfer Is Not Constructive Dismissal: The Manalo Case
Learn when a faculty transfer is valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal, from the Supreme Court's Manalo ruling.
Upholding Ethical Standards: University's Right to Transfer Faculty for Breaches of Professional Ethics
When can a university transfer a professor for ethical lapses? The Supreme Court clarifies management prerogative versus constructive dismissal.
Breach of Trust When Employee Disloyalty Justifies Termination in the Philippines
When does employee disloyalty justify termination? The Supreme Court explains breach of trust doctrine in Philippine labor law.
Writ of Possession: Absolute Right After Ownership Consolidation
Foreclosure buyers gain an absolute right to possession once title consolidates. The Supreme Court explains the limits of appeals and stay orders.
When Court Errors Are Not Administrative Cases: The Tallado v. Racoma Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge's error is a judicial matter, not an administrative offense, in Tallado v. Racoma.
Solidary Liability in Suretyship: Partners' Obligations in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability of partners and sureties in loan agreements, explained in plain language.
Floating Status of Security Guards: When Return-to-Work Orders Defeat Claims of Constructive Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when specific return-to-work orders prevent a finding of constructive dismissal for security guards on floating status.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigating Membership Disputes in Corporate Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata prevents corporations from relitigating membership issues already settled in prior cases.
Mootness in Military Justice: When Court Martial Acquittals Nullify Legal Challenges
The Supreme Court explains why post-acquittal court martial proceedings render constitutional challenges moot and academic in military justice cases.
Possession Follows Ownership: Enforcing Writs After Foreclosure
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a writ of possession is a ministerial duty once title is consolidated, even against third-party claimants.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Stealth Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains treachery in murder cases, ruling that killing a sleeping victim with a bolo qualifies as treachery.
Conflicting Medical Reports: When a Seafarer Gets Full Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court rules on conflicting company doctor reports, entitling seafarer to full permanent disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Amparo Writ Scope: Extralegal Killings and Enforced Disappearances Only
Supreme Court clarifies the writ of amparo covers only extralegal killings and enforced disappearances, not ordinary threats from private individuals.