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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PAGCOR v. Fontana: Contracts Bind Government Agencies Too
Supreme Court rules PAGCOR must honor its casino MOA with Fontana, affirming that contracts bind government agencies.
Personal Liability of Corporate Officers: Limits on Altering Final Labor Judgments
When can corporate officers be personally liable in labor cases? The Supreme Court clarifies limits on modifying final judgments.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Preserving Evidence Integrity Under RA 9165
Philippine Supreme Court explains when non-compliance with Section 21 RA 9165 is excused and why evidence integrity matters most.
Accountability in Kidnapping: Justice Despite Fugitive Status and Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms kidnap-for-ransom conviction, dismisses fugitive's appeal, and clarifies damages awards under Philippine law.
When a Client Relieves Counsel: Withdrawal of Appeal and Compromise Agreements
A look at Bautista v. Seraph Management Group, Inc. on withdrawal of appeals, relieving counsel, and the validity of compromise agreements.
Client’s Right to Terminate Counsel and Withdraw Appeal: Bautista v. Seraph Management
Supreme Court affirms a client’s absolute right to fire counsel and withdraw an appeal, even if the lawyer doubts the client’s decision.
Limits of DARAB Jurisdiction: Certiorari Power and Agrarian Dispute Resolution
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction limits, certiorari power, and the finality of agrarian dispute decisions in just compensation cases.
Seafarers' Rights: Employer Liability for Illness Manifesting During Employment Despite Post-Contract Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer death benefits when illness manifests during employment but death occurs after contract term.
Common Carrier Defined: Resort Ferry Service Under Passenger Safety Rules
Supreme Court ruling that resort ferry services are common carriers, bound by extraordinary diligence for passenger safety.
Trust and Tax: Protecting Pension Funds Through Beneficial Ownership
How the Supreme Court protected a pension fund's tax-exempt income by recognizing beneficial ownership under Article 1452 of the Civil Code.
Accretion vs Public Domain: Private Land Rights Along Waterways in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accreted land along creeks belongs to private owners and when prescription applies.
Drug Use and Dismissal: Upholding Judicial Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
Philippine Supreme Court dismisses court clerk for drug use and defiance of court orders, affirming strict standards for judiciary employees.
PEZA Authority Over Building Permits Prevails Over Ancestral Land Claims in Economic Zones
Supreme Court clarifies that PEZA, not local building officials, issues building permits within ecozones; CALC holders cannot build without PEZA permits.
Breach of Trust Estafa Conviction Affirmed for Failure to Return or Account for Jewelry
Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction under Article 315(1)(b) when a jeweler fails to return or account for entrusted jewelry.
Retirement Benefits: When Incentives During Corporate Reorganization Are Narrowly Interpreted
Supreme Court rules retirement gratuities under EO 756 were temporary reorganization incentives, not permanent benefits including allowances.
Upholding Immunity Agreements: The Government's Duty to Honor Its Word
In Disini v. Sandiganbayan, the Supreme Court held that the Republic must honor an immunity agreement it freely entered into with a witness.
Timeliness Matters: Appealing Election Protests and the Strict Application of Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court ruled that late appeals in election protests are fatal, even when the trial court erred on venue.
When Retirement Benefits Exclude Allowances: Reading EO 756 in Context
The Supreme Court rules that PITC's retirement gratuity under EO 756 was a temporary reorganization incentive, not a permanent benefits scheme.
Upholding Legislative Intent: The Limits of COMELEC's Rule-Making Power in Party-List Nominations
A look at Lokin v. COMELEC, where the Supreme Court struck down a COMELEC rule expanding the grounds for substituting party-list nominees beyond RA 7941.
Prescription of Seafarer Claims: Labor Code Prevails Over Standard Employment Contract
Supreme Court rules 3-year Labor Code prescription governs seafarer money claims, but death benefits require death during contract effectivity.
Gross Negligence and Disqualification: Defining the Limits of COMELEC's Authority
Explore how the Supreme Court upheld COMELEC's power to perpetually bar grossly negligent canvassers in Beluso v. COMELEC.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: When Personal Concerns Must Yield to Public Welfare
A Supreme Court ruling on a Davao City health officer who skipped a bombing emergency shows how gross neglect of duty can cost a public servant their job.
Workplace Misconduct Upholding Decorum IN THE Philippine Judiciary 2
Court employee fined for simple misconduct after verbal abuse and physical assault on a co-worker inside court premises.
Land Reclassification vs Conversion: DAR's Authority Over Agricultural Land Use
The Supreme Court clarifies that reclassified agricultural lands still need DAR conversion approval, distinguishing reclassification from conversion.