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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Tenancy vs Ownership: Who Hears Agrarian Disputes?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is an agrarian dispute for DARAB and when it belongs in regular courts, using a Bulacan land case.
Navigating the Shoals of Forum Shopping: Dismissal of Damages Claim Reversed
The Supreme Court clarifies that forum shopping requires identity of causes of action, not just identity of parties.
PDIC Role in Bank Insolvency Cases: Representative, Not Substitute Party
Explains Balayan Bay Rural Bank v. NLDC, clarifying PDIC's role as representative party, not substitute, in suits involving closed banks.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases Through Strict Evidence Procedures
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect when police break the chain of custody, underscoring strict compliance with Section 21 of RA 9165.
Chain OF Custody IN Drug Cases Integrity OF Evidence Prevails Over Procedural Lapses 2
Construction Contracts and Legal Interest: Determining Liability in Government Projects
The Supreme Court clarifies when 6% legal interest applies to unpaid construction claims against government agencies and local governments.
Causal Connection Is Key in Seafarer Disability Claims for Work-Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers must prove a causal connection between their illness and work to receive disability benefits.
Loan Restructuring Qualified Acceptance and the Absence of a Binding Agreement
When a borrower's "acceptance" of a bank's restructuring offer is qualified, it becomes a counter-offer, not a binding contract.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in Security Agency Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between security of tenure and management prerogative in security agency employment.
Foreign Investment Limits in the Corn Industry: What as required by R.A. 3018. The Court rejected this reading
Purina also invoked an older case, Chua U v. Lim, which interpreted R.A. 3018 as applying only when rice or corn is the principal ingredient of a product and th
Just Compensation for Agrarian Reform: Balancing Landowner Rights and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is computed in agrarian reform cases, balancing landowner rights with social justice.
Premature Disability Claims: Seafarers Must Follow Medical Assessment Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's disability claim is premature and why following the POEA-SEC medical assessment procedure matters.
Sheriffs Duty Timely Reporting In Writ Execution Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs mandatory duty to file periodic returns in writ execution, imposing administrative liability for delay.
Voiding Land Sales: The Public Land Act's Five-Year Prohibition and Reversionary Rights
When can a land sale be voided under the Public Land Act? Learn the five-year prohibition rule, reversion, and in pari delicto exceptions.
Upholding Attorney Accountability: Negligence and the Duty to Client
A lawyer's failure to file an appellant's brief and keep a client informed leads to a six-month suspension, while a contingent fee contract is upheld.
Work-Related Skin Illness: Seafarer Wins Disability Benefits Despite Fit-to-Work Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court rules a seafarer with work-related skin illness can get disability benefits even if declared fit to work.
Spontaneous Confessions in Parricide Cases: When the Right to Counsel Does Not Apply
A son's spontaneous confession to police was admissible despite no lawyer present, because custodial investigation had not yet begun.
Constructive Dismissal Claims: When Resignation Is Voluntary and Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary rather than constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.
Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Employment Disputes Within Corporate Structures
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts and tribunals have jurisdiction when employment claims and intra-corporate disputes overlap in one case.
Strict Appeal Deadlines: Supreme Court Upholds Dismissal of Late Certiorari Petition
The Supreme Court affirms that the 60-day period for filing a petition for certiorari is strict and mandatory, dismissing a three-day late appeal.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Untimely Filing: Strict Adherence to Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
A three-day delay doomed a petition in a labor case, as the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the 60-day
Tightening the Reins: Fraud Allegations and Preliminary Attachments in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fraud justifies a writ of preliminary attachment, requiring particularized allegations, not mere conclusions.
Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Leaving a Job Is Not Forced
The Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is voluntary and not constructive dismissal, and which money claims belong in labor courts.