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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Early Retirement Programs: Contractual Obligations vs Management Prerogative
When does a company's early retirement offer become a binding contract? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative.
Rescission Rights When Leased Property Becomes Unusable Due to Natural Disasters
When a leased property becomes unusable due to floods or other natural causes, lessees may have the right to rescind the lease. The Supreme Court explains the rules.
Certiorari as a Substitute for Appeal: Navigating Procedural Missteps in Philippine Courts
Learn when certiorari can replace an appeal in Philippine procedure, and how the Supreme Court treats loss of trust and confidence in dismissals.
Estate Administration Prioritizing Family Ties Over Illegitimacy in Heir Selection
Supreme Court rules on appointing administrators, weighing family ties and adoption over illegitimacy bars in estate cases.
Finality of Judgment Bars Post-Disbarment Motions: Supreme Court Enforces Restitution Order
Supreme Court enforces disbarred lawyer's restitution order, citing finality of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: When Advocacy Crosses Into Gross Misconduct
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying ethical limits of advocacy.
Lawyer Disbarred for Neglecting Client and Misappropriating Funds Faces Contempt
Supreme Court denies lawyer's bid to reverse disbarment, cites him for contempt, and orders execution to return misappropriated client funds.
Illegal Dismissal and Optional Retirement: When a Demotion Does Not End Employment
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on constructive dismissal, optional retirement age, and the rights of managerial employees in the Philippines.
Island Provinces and the Constitution: The Dinagat Islands Creation Case
The Supreme Court struck down Republic Act No. 9355 creating Dinagat Islands province for failing population and land area requirements under the Local Government Code.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court denies a disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment, citing the doctrine of immutability of judgment and citing him for indirect contempt.
Lawyer Negligence and the Duty of Diligence and Communication in Philippine Legal Practice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' duties of diligence and communication, examining a case where attorney negligence led to disciplinary action.
Coalition Registration Deadlines Are Mandatory in Philippine Election Law
Supreme Court rules COMELEC deadlines for coalition registration are mandatory, not merely directory, in Liberal Party v. COMELEC.
Safeguarding Suffrage: The Right to Information in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court compels Comelec to disclose election preparations, affirming the people's right to information on matters of public concern.
Compromise Agreements: How Party Autonomy Ends Civil Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that compromise agreements validly executed by parties are encouraged and binding, provided they are not contrary to law, morals, or public policy.
Conspiracy and Drug Sales: Establishing Intent and Upholding the Presumption of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling on how concerted acts prove conspiracy in illegal drug sales and when police regularity is presumed.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody: Key Lessons from People v. Joel Roa
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction, explaining buy-bust validity, PDEA coordination, and chain of custody rules under RA 9165.
Timely Justice Determining THE Correct Appeal Method IN Land Valuation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved the proper appeal method and interest computation in land valuation cases under CARP.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: When Issuance Is Ministerial
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that writ of possession issuance after foreclosure is ministerial, not discretionary, for the purchaser.
Constructive Possession When Holding Isnt Always Having IN Illegal Firearm Cases
Philippine Supreme Court explains constructive possession in illegal firearm cases—what it means, how it is proven, and why custody by another person may still be possession.
Writ of Possession: Validity of Mortgage Cannot Be Challenged in Possession Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: courts must issue writs of possession ministerially after foreclosure; mortgage validity challenges belong in separate actions.
Fair Market Value vs Arbitrary Pricing: Protecting Option to Purchase Agreements in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that "fair market value" in option to purchase agreements cannot be arbitrarily set by the grantor.
Oral Partition of Land: Proving Agreements and Challenging Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving oral partition of inherited land, parol evidence rule, and where to litigate ownership claims in expropriation.
Navigating Libel in the Digital Age: Defining Jurisdiction in Online Defamation
The Supreme Court clarifies where online libel cases may be filed, ruling that mere internet access does not determine venue.
Robbery With Rape Conviction: Victim Testimony Prevails Over Alibi Defense
Supreme Court affirms robbery with rape conviction, holding that a victim's positive identification prevails over an accused's weak alibi defense.