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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Land Registration: Possession Before Alienability Declaration Counts
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's alienability declaration counts for registration, if declared alienable at application time.
Seafarers Rights Medical Expenses Are Separate From Disability Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that medical expenses, sickness allowance, and disability benefits are separate liabilities under the POEA-SEC.
Reinstatement Rights Balancing Seniority AND Prevailing Wage Standards IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that reinstatement "without loss of seniority rights" does not mean equal pay with newer, differently-situated employees.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Employer Claims Against Employee for SSS Contributions: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction
Supreme Court rules employer's claim for reimbursement of SSS contributions and damages against employee falls under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction.
When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
Task Basis vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Holiday, SIL, and 13th Month Pay Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that task-basis workers are not automatically barred from holiday, SIL, and 13th month pay.
Negligence VS Social Justice When CAN A Dismissed Employee Receive Separation PAY
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Executive Agreements Override Procurement Laws: Land Bank v. Atlanta Industries
When a foreign-funded project follows an executive agreement's procurement rules, RA 9184 yields—explained in Land Bank v. Atlanta Industries.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Supreme Court Limits Presidential Spending Power in Araullo v. Aquino III
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, reaffirming that public funds require congressional appropriation under the Constitution.
Navigating VAT Refund Deadlines Strict Compliance Under THE Nirc
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Reversal of Rape Conviction Due to Insufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome presumption of innocence, reaffirming proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.
Condonation and Concubinage: Understanding Marital Forgiveness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how condonation affects criminal liability for concubinage under the Revised Penal Code, and what spouses should know.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Upholding Employee Rights NPC Employees Entitled TO Separation PAY Despite Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC illegally dismissed employees entitled to separation pay, backwages despite corporate restructuring under EPIRA.
Property Rights and Nuisance: Balancing Interests in Land Use Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when land use becomes a nuisance, when it can be abated, and how courts balance competing property rights.
Strict 120+30 Day Rule for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Learn the mandatory 120+30 day periods for VAT refund claims and why late judicial appeals are fatal under Philippine tax law.
Speedy Trial and Provisional Dismissal: Key Rules from Co v. New Prosperity Plastic Products
The Supreme Court clarifies when provisional dismissal becomes permanent and how the one-year revival period is counted.
Grave Misconduct and Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Government Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct in government service, explaining its definition, penalties, and the high standard of integrity required of public officials and employees.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.