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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Warrantless Arrests in the Philippines: When Are They Legal?
The Supreme Court explains when warrantless arrests are legal in the Philippines, using a drug case to illustrate the rules.
Untimely Appeal: How Attorney Negligence Can Doom Your Case
Learn how attorney negligence in filing an appeal can doom your case, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability.
When Sheriffs Cross the Line: Execution Without a Demolition Order
A sheriff demolished a house using only a writ of execution, without a demolition order. The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Clerk of Court Dismissed for Mishandling Court Funds: A Lesson in Accountability
The Supreme Court ruled on the severe consequences for clerks of court who mishandle judiciary funds, emphasizing their duty as custodians of public money.
Regular vs Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when project employees become regular employees entitled to security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Proving Alienability and Possession
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to register land title under PD 1529, emphasizing proof of alienability and possession since 1945.
Immorality in the Workplace: When Personal Conduct Leads to Professional Consequences
A Supreme Court ruling shows how a government employee's extramarital affair constituted disgraceful and immoral conduct, even after resignation.
Finality of Judgments: Understanding Immutability and Exceptions in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of finality of judgments and its exceptions in a labor case involving illegal dismissal and retirement.
Treachery and Attempted Murder: Establishing Intent and Liability in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery qualifies murder and how intent is established in attempted murder cases.
When Self-Defense Fails: Unlawful Aggression and Treachery in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a claim of self-defense failed and how treachery qualified a killing as murder.
Ombudsman's Concurrent Authority Over Public School Teachers Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Ombudsman shares concurrent disciplinary authority with DepEd over public school teachers, but estoppel may bar late jurisdictional challenges.
Consolidation of Cases Ensuring Judicial Economy and Preventing Conflicting Decisions
Learn how the Supreme Court applies the doctrine of primary administrative jurisdiction in corporate rehabilitation cases through Nestle Philippines v. Uniwide Sales.
Promissory Notes Enforceability and the Absence of Vitiated Consent
When is a promissory note valid despite claims of pressure? The Supreme Court clarifies consent, consideration, and enforceability.
VAT Refund Denials Strict Compliance With Invoicing Rules Upheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on VAT refund claims, emphasizing strict compliance with invoicing and substantiation requirements.
When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Retired Judge for Unjustified Case Delays
Supreme Court holds judges accountable for unjustified delays, fining a retired MTC judge P10,000 for failing to act on pending cases for over a year.
Balancing Technical Rules and Substantial Justice in Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when procedural lapses in appeals may be relaxed, and what due process truly requires in employee dismissal.
Trademark Ownership: Prior Use Trumps Earlier Filing in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in trademark disputes, actual prior use in commerce prevails over an earlier filing date under RA 8293.
Foreshore Land vs Private Property: Clarifying Ownership Rights in Coastal Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on possession, prescription, and jurisdiction in disputes over untitled coastal and ancestral lands.
Unjust Enrichment in Construction Disputes: Establishing Legal Grounds for Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unjust enrichment claims in construction disputes, explaining legal grounds, burden of proof, and practical guidance.
Invoicing Requirements Strict Compliance for VAT Refund Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court denies VAT refund for failure to comply with invoicing requirements under the NIRC and applicable regulations.
Justice Delayed Judge Fined FOR Undue Delay IN Case Resolution
The Supreme Court fined a retired MTC judge P10,000 for undue delay in resolving cases, reaffirming that justice delayed is justice denied.
Bona Fide Business Closure vs. Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Workers' Rights in Company Transfers
When is a business closure a valid reason for termination? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on bona fide closure versus illegal dismissal.
Ejectment Actions: Registered Title Prevails Over Unregistered Claims
In ejectment cases, a registered owner's title prevails over unregistered claims. The Supreme Court explains in Spouses Beltran v. Nieves.
Novation in Philippine Law: Understanding the Requirements for Extinguishing Obligations
Learn how novation extinguishes obligations under Philippine law, its requirements, and how the Supreme Court applies these rules in corporate rehabilitation cases.