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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Second Chances IN Public Service When CAN Dismissal BE Replaced With Suspension
Land Conversion Disputes and the Finality of Agrarian Reform Decisions
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory DAR conversion orders may no longer be questioned, especially on issues first raised on appeal.
Custody Rights in Muslim Divorce: Balancing Shari’a Law and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and due process in custody disputes arising from Muslim divorce under P.D. 1083.
Accountability in Public Service: Internal Auditors' Duty to Prevent Misuse of Funds
Supreme Court ruling on internal auditors' liability for government fund losses, explaining due diligence standards under COA rules.
Mandamus and the House Speaker's Duty to Seat a Duly Proclaimed Representative
When can the Supreme Court compel the House Speaker to seat a representative? The Velasco ruling explains the ministerial duty after disqualification.
Upholding Client Trust Attorney Disbarred FOR Unauthorized Compromise AND Misappropriation OF Funds
A lawyer who compromised a client's case without authority and misused funds for docket fees was disbarred by the Supreme Court.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Refusing a Promotion: When It Cannot Be Grounds for Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when refusing a promotion is a valid right, not insubordination, and its effect on illegal dismissal claims.
Co-Ownership and Unauthorized Sales: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles co-owned property disputes, redemption rights, and unauthorized sales in this Philippine civil law case analysis.
Pactum Commissorium: When Mortgage Agreements Unfairly Benefit Lenders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, unconscionable interest rates, and when borrowers cannot escape contractual obligations.
When Return-to-Work Orders Clash with Employee Rights: The Philippine Airlines Illegal Dismissal Case
A look at the Supreme Court's ruling on return-to-work orders, backwages, and the limits of reinstatement in illegal dismissal cases.
Mortgage Validity: Restrictions on Property Rights vs Contractual Obligations
Supreme Court rules on whether NHA restrictions on a titled property invalidate a mortgage, and when borrowers can escape contractual obligations.
Reckless Driving and the Duty of Care: What Senit v. People Means for Motorists
The Supreme Court affirms that overtaking another vehicle demands a high degree of care, and explains when trial in absentia is valid.
Navigating Factual Disputes: The Supreme Court's Stance on Appellate Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when appellate courts may review factual findings and correct arbitrary penalties in homicide convictions.
Striking A Balance Upholding Club Rules VS Ensuring Procedural Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when employers may validly dismiss workers for joining an illegal strike and the limits of that power.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: When Broken Links Mean Acquittal
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect where prosecution failed to prove unbroken chain of custody of seized shabu under RA 9165.
Balancing Public Order and Private Rights: Limits on Summary Abatement of Nuisances
When can barangay officials destroy property as a public nuisance? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of summary abatement.
Motion for Extension of Time: Balancing Strict Rules and Substantial Justice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts should relax procedural rules on formal offer of evidence to serve substantial justice.
Overcoming Technicalities: Republic's Right to Recover Ill-Gotten Wealth
Supreme Court rules procedural lapses should not defeat the state's recovery of ill-gotten wealth, reversing Sandiganbayan dismissal.
Priority of Registered Adverse Claims Over Subsequent Mortgages: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Learn how a registered adverse claim protects land rights against subsequent mortgages, and why prior registration prevails under Philippine property law.
Circumstantial Evidence and Penalty Fixing in Homicide: Ladines v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies penalty imposition rules and damages in homicide, affirming conviction based on circumstantial evidence.
Arbitrary Penalty Imposition Justification Required FOR Maximum Sentences
Trial courts must justify imposing the maximum penalty within a period; otherwise, the lowest penalty applies, as ruled in Ladines v. People.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: When Does an Insult Become Defamation
The Supreme Court explains the line between insult, criticism, and oral defamation in De Leon v. People.
Illegal Dismissal Claims: When Voluntary Resignation and Quitclaims Prevail
Supreme Court ruling on when a resignation and quitclaim are voluntary, and what evidence employees must present to prove illegal dismissal.