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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Prescription Periods in Securities Law: Balancing Investor Protection and Legal Certainty
The Supreme Court clarifies prescription periods for criminal and administrative liability under the Securities Regulation Code in Citibank v. Tanco-Gabaldon.
Attorney Suspended for Incompetence and Lack of Communication with Client
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for filing cases in wrong courts and failing to update client on case status.
Probationary Teachers Schools Duty TO Communicate Performance Standards FOR Regular Employment
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Requirements for Public Land Registration in the Philippines
Understand the possession rules for registering public land under PD 1529, including the June 12, 1945 requirement clarified by the Supreme Court.
Best Evidence Rule in Quieting Title: Heirs of Margarita Prodon v. Heirs of Maximo Alvarez
Supreme Court clarifies when the Best Evidence Rule applies in quieting title cases, and when secondary evidence may prove a deed's existence.
Malicious Damage Exclusion Does Not Cover Vehicle Theft by Employee
Theft by an insured's employee is covered by insurance unless the policy explicitly excludes "loss," not just Since the driver was in the insured's service, the insurer argued that the theft fell unde
Judicial Efficiency vs Due Process: Striking a Balance in Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court absolves a judge of administrative liability, clarifying the balance between judicial efficiency and due process rights.
Finality of Judgments in Mining Permit Disputes: Stability Over Relitigation
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory decisions in mining disputes cannot be relitigated, upholding the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Protecting Rights and Ensuring Justice
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to broken chain of custody, underscoring the need to protect accused rights.
Beyond the Document: When the Best Evidence Rule Doesn't Apply in Philippine Law
The Best Evidence Rule only applies when a document's terms are in issue—not its existence. Learn from a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Accountability: The Price of Delayed Justice in the Philippines
A retired judge was fined P20,000 for leaving 23 cases undecided. Learn the rules on judicial accountability and timely case disposition.
When Insurance Exclusions Cover Damage But Not Loss: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that "malicious damage" exclusion in insurance policies does not cover theft or loss of a vehicle.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict chain of custody rules for drug evidence under RA 9165, requiring police compliance and integrity preservation.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee’s Initial Burden in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases and when dismissal for willful disobedience is lawful.
Upholding Arbitration Finality and the Limits of Judicial Review in Construction Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitral awards may be reviewed and the rules against forum shopping in construction arbitration.
Balancing Company Rules and Employee Rights: The Doctrine of Proportionate Penalty in Illegal Dismissal Cases
When does a company rule violation justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the doctrine of proportionate penalty in illegal dismissal cases.
Standing TO SUE Intervention AND THE Finality OF Dismissed Cases IN Philippine LAW
Death of Accused Pending Appeal Extinguishes Criminal Liability and Civil Liability Ex Delicto
The Supreme Court clarifies that an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal liability and civil liability arising from the offense.
Illegal Dismissal Claims and the 60-Day Rule for Certiorari Petitions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend the 60-day period to file certiorari petitions, and discusses forced resignation in illegal dismissal cases.
Forum Shopping and Government Funds: Rallos v. City of Cebu on Execution of Judgments
The Supreme Court dismisses a contempt petition for forum shopping and clarifies rules on executing money judgments against local governments.
Just Compensation and Voluntary Land Sales: Valuing Property Under Agrarian Reform
A landowner who accepts payment and transfers title under agrarian reform cannot later seek higher just compensation. The Supreme Court explains.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Compliance with Invoicing Requirements Required
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with VAT invoicing requirements is mandatory for input VAT refund claims on zero-rated sales.
Just Compensation and Land Valuation: Fairness in Agrarian Reform
When a landowner accepts the government's valuation and transfers title, can they later seek a higher price? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Seafarer Death Benefits: Proving Work-Related Illness After Contract Termination
Learn when a seafarer's death after contract end is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness under the POEA Contract.