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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Chattel Mortgage Foreclosure: Lender's Duty After Repossession in the Philippines
Learn the lender's obligations after chattel mortgage foreclosure and repossession in the Philippines, including redemption rights and borrower protections.
Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Upholds Independence of Quasi-Judicial Officers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against NLRC commissioners, warning against using disciplinary cases to harass adjudicators.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Privatization and Labor Rights: When Asset Transfers Create Employer Liability
A look at when government asset privatization creates employer liability and how workers can claim separation benefits.
Bill of Lading and Carrier Liability: When Delivery Without Surrender Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier may release goods without the original bill of lading, and why the seller's unpaid claim lies against the buyer, not the carrier.
The Limits of Mandamus in Enforcing Disputed Informer's Rewards
When can a court compel payment of an informer's reward? The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus only lies for clear, undisputed rights.
Judicial Approval Makes Compromise Agreements Final and Executory
A compromise agreement approved by the court becomes a final judgment. Annulment is limited to Rule 47 remedies.
Failure to Disclose Administrative Offense in PDS Results in One-Year Suspension
A judge's failure to disclose a prior administrative case in his Personal Data Sheet constitutes dishonesty, resulting in suspension.
Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Robbery Cases: Ensuring Fair Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms that credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi in robbery cases, explaining how courts assess witness credibility.
Rape Conviction Affirmed Addressing Inconsistencies AND Damage Awards IN Cases OF Sexual Assault
Upholding Corporate Meeting Validity Proxy Rights AND Timeliness IN Intra Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court rules on proxy rights, notice requirements, and the 15-day prescriptive period for election contests in intra-corporate disputes.
Prescription in Intra-Corporate Disputes: The 15-Day Rule for Election Contests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that actions to nullify stockholders' meetings and elections are election contests subject to the 15-day prescriptive period.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Balancing Employer Flexibility and Employee Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and do not circumvent security of tenure.
Sheriffs Must Enforce Writs of Execution Strictly or Face Administrative Liability
A sheriff who accepts less than the full amount stated in a writ of execution and labels it full satisfaction commits simple misconduct.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases and Disciplinary Action for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, imposing fines for violations of the 90-day rule.
Comelec Must Enable Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail: Mandamus Granted
Supreme Court compels Comelec to activate VVPAT feature, affirming voters' right to verify their ballots under election law.
Undue Delay IN Judicial Proceedings A Judges Responsibility TO Timely Resolution
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and DENR Secretary Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that DENR Secretary's approval of mining agreements is administrative, not quasi-judicial, requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies.
Refugee Status Determination in the Philippines: The "Reasonable Degree" Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies the shared burden of proof and the "reasonable degree" threshold for refugee status determination in the Philippines.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the DENR Secretary's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can review mining disputes, the DENR Secretary's administrative powers, and the need to exhaust remedies.
Untimely Filing Dooms VAT Refund Claim Navigating Jurisdictional Deadlines IN TAX Appeals
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.