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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Detention and Absences: When Prolonged AWOL Is Not Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's prolonged absence due to detention does not constitute abandonment, and the limits of dismissal.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Balancing Fairness and Efficiency in Police Disciplinary Actions
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative due process does not require trial-type hearings, allowing PNP disciplinary actions to proceed on affidavits and position papers.
Behest Loans and Prescription: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan cases begins, ruling it starts upon discovery, not execution.
Proving Agricultural Tenancy Claims: Lessons from De Jesus v. Moldex Realty
The Supreme Court explains the six elements of agricultural tenancy and why mere cultivation does not make one a tenant.
Behest Loans and the Statute of Limitations: When Does the Clock Start Ticking
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period for behest loan offenses begins, and what evidence is needed to prove them.
Cooperative Membership vs Employment: Defining SSS Coverage Obligations
Supreme Court rules cooperatives can be employers of their owner-members for SSS coverage purposes, clarifying when membership does not negate employment.
When Length of Service Does Not Trump a Fixed-Term Appointment as Dean
A college dean's fixed-term appointment ends on its own at term expiry, even if the employee served beyond probation.
Ejectment Cases: When Tenancy Claims Do Not Strip Courts of Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that raising a tenancy defense in ejectment cases does not automatically divest courts of jurisdiction over possession disputes.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Land Registration Application Over Larger Properties
When does opposing a land registration application become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Calinisan v. Court of Appeals.
Writ of Possession Annulment Case Does NOT Halt Ex Parte Issuance
The Supreme Court affirms that a pending annulment of foreclosure sale does not stop the ex parte issuance of a writ of possession.
Guilty Plea Improvidence Evidence Trumps Error IN Child Rape Case
Supreme Court clarifies when an improvident guilty plea in a capital offense does not invalidate a rape conviction.
Real Property Tax Exemption: Government Instrumentalities vs. Beneficial Use by Private Entities
When does a government agency's real property tax exemption end? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on leased government properties.
Trust Receipts AND Estafa When Does Failure TO PAY Constitute Criminal Liability
Diminished Will Mental Illness As A Mitigating Factor In Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mental illness reduces criminal liability but does not exempt an accused from guilt.
Can Public Officials Evade Administrative Charges by Resigning? SC Says No
The Supreme Court rules that resignation or separation from service does not shield public officials from administrative liability for acts committed while in office.
Dacion en Pago: When It Extinguishes a Loan and When It Does Not
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dacion en pago extinguishes a debt, and when a promissory note liability survives.
Ejectment Cases and Land Ownership: When Prior Possession Does Not Bar Unlawful Detainer
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, COSLAP jurisdiction, and Torrens title imprescriptibility in Cayabyab v. Gomez de Aquino.
Inheritance Disputes: Redemption, Co-Ownership, and Prescription in Family Estates
When one heir redeems family property, does she own it? The Supreme Court clarifies co-ownership, prescription, and reimbursement rules.
When Limited Liability Doesnt Shield a Shipowner: The Aboitiz Shipping Ruling
Explaining when a shipowner's limited liability defense fails, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Aboitiz Shipping v. New India Assurance.
Breach of Trust vs Security of Tenure: When Is Dismissal Too Harsh?
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why loss of trust and confidence does not give employers unlimited power to dismiss, even managerial employees.
Venue Stipulations When Contractual Agreements Don't Cover ALL Claims
When a contract names an exclusive venue, does it bind claims outside that contract? The Supreme Court explains when it doesn't.
Lowest Bidder Rights: When a Bidder Is Entitled to a Government Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies that being the lowest bidder does not automatically entitle a bidder to a government contract award.
Administrative vs Criminal Liability: Why Dismissal of One Does Not Dismiss the Other
A single act can trigger both administrative and criminal cases. The Supreme Court explains why dismissal of one does not automatically end the other.
When a Gun Ban Charge Does Not Bar Illegal Possession of Firearms: Celino v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban charge prevents prosecution for illegal possession of firearms under R.A. 8294.