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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Equality in Representation: Population Requirements for Legislative Districts in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Constitution does not require a 250,000 population minimum for provincial legislative districts.
Substantial Compliance in Corporate Filings: When Imperfect Paperwork Doesn't Sink the Ship
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when defective corporate verification and non-forum shopping certifications may be cured by substantial compliance.
Constructive Dismissal Redefining Unreasonable Employee Transfers Under Philippine LAW
When does a job transfer become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on unreasonable transfers in Philippine Veterans Bank v. NLRC.
Probable Cause and Ombudsman Discretion: Incomplete Audit Does Not Bar Malversation Charges
The Supreme Court rules that an incomplete COA audit does not prevent the Ombudsman from finding probable cause for malversation of public funds.
Energy Sector Disputes Clarifying Jurisdiction Between the ERC and DOE
Supreme Court clarifies which agency hears energy disputes: the ERC's jurisdiction is limited, while the DOE handles distribution issues.
Writ of Possession and Foreclosure: When a Threat to Foreclose Does Not Vitiate Consent
Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure, simulated contracts, and why a threat to enforce a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Establishing Filiation: The Evidentiary Standard for Illegitimate Children's Support Claims
A support promise without an admission of paternity does not establish filiation. Nepomuceno v. Lopez clarifies the rule.
Employer-Employee Relationship Defines Labor Jurisdiction in Contractual Arrangements
When does a government-owned corporation become liable for a contractor's employees? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Guilty Plea Lasting Impact Rape Conviction Stands Despite Procedural Errors
Supreme Court rules an improvident guilty plea does not void a rape conviction when credible evidence independently supports it.
Protecting Children: Upholding the Credibility of Child Victims in Parental Abuse Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a child victim's testimony is given full weight in incestuous rape cases, and why an intact hymen does not disprove rape.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does Defense Become Unlawful Aggression
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails, examining unlawful aggression, reasonable means, and the point where defense becomes aggression.
Supreme Court Upholds VAT Refund Law for Foreign Tourists: A Win for Philippine Tourism
The Supreme Court upheld RA 12079's VAT refund for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or uniform taxation.
Cooperative Fees Supreme Court Limits Exemptions In Foreclosure Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies that cooperatives' exemption from court fees under the Cooperative Code does not apply to extrajudicial foreclosure petitions.
Psychological Incapacity: When Personality Disorders Do Not Nullify a Marriage
The Supreme Court clarifies that a diagnosis of personality disorders alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Resignation Does Not Shield Court Personnel From Administrative Liability for Dishonesty
Court aide's resignation did not erase administrative liability for stealing a judge's money; forfeiture and disqualification still imposed.
Agency and Mortgage Law: When an Agent’s Signature Does Not Bind the Principal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an authorized agent’s mortgage signature binds only the agent, not the principal, and the role of laches.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without a License: Criminal Liability Under P.D. 957
Selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime. A later license does not erase liability, explains the Supreme Court.
Selling Subdivision Lots Without A License Hlurb Authority AND Criminal Liability Under PD 957
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that selling subdivision lots without an HLURB license is a crime, and a later license does not erase liability.
Postgraduate Degrees and Civil Service Eligibility: Supreme Court Clarifies Qualification Standards
The Supreme Court ruled that a postgraduate degree in any related field does not conflict with a professional license requirement like the Civil Engineer licensure under RA 1080.
Finality of Judgments in Forcible Entry: Why Prohibited Motions Do Not Stop the Clock
A motion for reconsideration is prohibited in summary procedure cases and does not stop the appeal period. Learn the rules and the doctrine of immutability of judgments.
Malicious Prosecution: Proving Legal Malice and Probable Cause in Damage Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that winning a criminal case dismissal does not automatically justify a malicious prosecution claim for damages.
Preventive Suspension and the Three-Term Limit Rule: Aldovino v. COMELEC
The Supreme Court rules that preventive suspension does not interrupt an elective official's term for purposes of the three-term limit rule.
Labor-Only Contracting: Why Contract Language Alone Does Not Decide Employer Status
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is merely a labor-only contractor and the true employer under Philippine law.
Prescription in Annulment Cases: When Does the Clock Start Ticking?
Philippine law on prescription periods for annulment of marriage explained, including when the prescriptive period begins and key rules.