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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Balancing Freedom of Speech and the Sub Judice Rule: Protecting Fair Trial Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when public comments on pending cases violate the sub judice rule and constitute contempt.
Political Offense Doctrine and Murder Charges: Key Lessons from Ocampo v. Abando
When can murder charges be dismissed under the political offense doctrine? The Supreme Court clarifies in Ocampo v. Abando.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Court Employees Extorting Litigants
Agrarian Reform Jurisdiction: DAR, Not Courts, Hears Landowner Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform disputes, even with constitutional questions, belong to the DAR, not the RTC.
Tenancy Rights: Landowner's Consent Required for Valid Leasehold Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenancy requires landowner consent; a mortgagee or possessor cannot install tenants without authority.
Court Personnel and the Limits of Leniency: When Dishonesty Warrants Suspension, Not Dismissal
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when court employees who misappropriate private money face suspension instead of dismissal, balancing accountability with compassion.
Drug Buy-Bust Operations: When Non-Compliance With Evidence Rules Is Not Fatal
In People v. Salvador, the Supreme Court ruled that failure to inventory and photograph seized drugs does not automatically void an arrest if evidence integrity is preserved.
Breach OF Public Trust When Dishonesty BY A Court Employee Undermines THE Judiciarys Integrity
Tenancy Rights and Landowner Consent: Key Lessons from Quintos v. DARAB
The Supreme Court clarifies that no tenancy relationship exists without the landowner's consent, even if an agent or possessor installs tenants.
Duty to Disclose Accrued Interest in SALNs and the Limits of Administrative Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials must declare accrued interest on time deposits in their SALNs, but penalties consider good faith.
Premature Filing of Tax Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with the 120-Day Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies that taxpayers must wait for the 120-day period before filing judicial claims for VAT refunds.
Resignation vs Secondment: Retirement Benefits and Waiver Validity in Philippine Labor Law
Supreme Court clarifies when a transfer ends employment, affecting retirement benefits and quitclaim validity in Intel v. NLRC.
Land Registration: Proving Alienable and Disposable Status of Public Land
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what evidence proves land is alienable and disposable for registration under PD 1529.
When Can an Adverse Party Be Called as a Witness? Insights from Guevarra v. People
Learn when an adverse party may be called as a witness in Philippine courts, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Guevarra v. People.
Conspiracy and Illegal Drug Transportation: Upholding Accountability in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms that conspiracy to transport illegal drugs can be proven by surrounding circumstances, not just express agreement.
Expiration of Lease Contracts Resolving Possession Disputes
When a lease expires, so does the lessee's right to possession. The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Pasig Printing v. Rockland.
Fixed-Term Employment vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure and Illegal Dismissal
When a fixed-term contract expires but the employee keeps working, regular employment and security of tenure may arise. Illegal dismissal rules apply.
Treachery Defined: Ensuring Justice for Victims of Calculated Attacks in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies treachery as a qualifying circumstance in murder, ensuring calculated attacks receive just punishment.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Establishing the Boundaries in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense applies in Philippine law, emphasizing that unlawful aggression must be actual and imminent, not merely threatened.
Illegal Dismissal: Security of Tenure vs. Employer Prerogative in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, security of tenure, and the limits of employer prerogative in termination cases.
Defining Corporate Officers Jurisdiction IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate officer is a regular employee entitled to security of tenure and the due process requirements in termination.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Authentication
The Supreme Court reminds notaries public that notarization is no empty act, and negligence carries serious professional consequences.
Inefficiency VS Neglect Charting THE Boundaries OF Just Cause Termination IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between inefficiency and neglect as valid grounds for terminating employment under the Labor Code.
Breach of Public Trust Dismissal for Court Employee Defrauding Litigant
Court stenographer dismissed for grave misconduct after soliciting P65,000 from a litigant by falsely promising to fast-track an adoption petition.