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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Sharia Court Jurisdiction Limited to Cases Involving Only Muslim Parties in Real Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Sharia District Court jurisdiction: real actions require all parties to be Muslims, voiding proceedings otherwise.
Accidental Injury at Sea: Defining "Accident" for Seafarer Disability Claims
When is a seafarer's injury an "accident" for CBA disability benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies in Sunga v. Virjen Shipping.
Nepotism in Government Appointments: Abstention Is Not a Cure
The Supreme Court rules that a commissioner's abstention from voting does not cure a nepotistic appointment in the Civil Service Commission v. Cortes case.
When a Later Title Loses: Prior Registration and Good Faith in Philippine Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones, and buyers cannot claim good faith when the title itself bears notice of a prior sale.
Restitution After Judgment Modification: Fairness in Executed Judgments
When the Supreme Court reduces damages after properties have been sold at execution, how are parties made whole? The Eserjose case explains restitution rules.
Can a Certificate of Candidacy Be Cancelled After Election Day? Residency Rules for Local Elections
The Supreme Court explains when a certificate of candidacy may be cancelled after election day, focusing on false residency declarations.
Probationary Employment: When a Job Description Can Define Clear Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a job description and duties suffice as reasonable standards for probationary employee regularization and dismissal.
Local Government Powers: Balancing Reorganization and Prohibited Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies when local government early retirement programs are valid versus prohibited supplementary retirement schemes under Philippine law.
Enforcing Money Judgments Against Local Government Units: Mandamus and the COA Route
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel an LGU to pay a final judgment; claims must first go through the Commission on Audit.
Judicial Independence and the Court's Power to Review Probable Cause for Arrest
When can a judge dismiss a case for lack of probable cause despite the prosecutor's finding? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review.
When Can a Judge Dismiss a Prosecutor's Case for Lack of Probable Cause?
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between a prosecutor's and a judge's power to determine probable cause in criminal cases.
Redundancy vs Retrenchment: Protecting Employees From Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between redundancy and retrenchment, and the rules employers must follow to avoid illegal dismissal.
Accrued Wages and Reinstatement: Employer's Obligation Despite Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must pay accrued wages when they delay reinstatement pending appeal, even if the dismissal is later upheld.
Grenade Attack and Complex Crimes: Establishing Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court affirms a conviction for murder and frustrated murder from a single grenade attack, explaining complex crimes and the weakness of alibi against positive identification.
Chain of Custody and Drug Evidence Admissibility in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody—explaining marking, inventory, and photo requirements under RA 9165.
Chain of Custody Lapses in Drug Cases: When Acquittal Becomes the Only Option
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, emphasizing the need for strict compliance with RA 9165 procedures.
Self Defense Under Scrutiny: Establishing Credible Threat in Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense claims fail in homicide cases, requiring credible threat and unlawful aggression.
Unraveling Implied Trusts Protecting Family Interests in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court explains implied resulting trusts in family property disputes, clarifying prescription, parol evidence, and ownership rights.
Lost Evidence Lost Case: How Discovery Failures Impact Proof in Court
A Supreme Court ruling shows how losing original evidence and raising defenses late can sink a case, even when the accused claims innocence.
When Customary Law Meets Final Judgments: IPRA Jurisdiction and the Limits of Mandamus
The Supreme Court clarifies when customary laws apply under IPRA and why mandamus cannot overturn a final ejectment judgment.
Loss of Earning Award Deleted: Final Decisions and Double Recovery in Philippine Seafarer Claims
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments bind parties, but double recovery for loss of earning capacity is barred when disability compensation already paid.
Conditional Sale vs Contract to Sell: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between a conditional sale and a contract to sell, and why buyers must pay the full price to own property.
Double Compensation Prohibited: Disability Benefits vs. Loss of Future Earnings in Maritime Claims
Supreme Court rules a seafarer cannot recover both disability benefits and loss of future earnings, as disability compensation already covers lost earning capacity.
Finality of Judgments: The Binding Effect of Unchallenged Court Orders
A Supreme Court ruling on how an unchallenged labor decision becomes final, binding, and bars re-litigation of the same issues.