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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When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Writ of Possession and Foreclosure: When a Threat to Foreclose Does Not Vitiate Consent
Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure, simulated contracts, and why a threat to enforce a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
When Is a Public Official "Formally Charged"? Supreme Court Clarifies in Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government employee is considered "formally charged," ruling that mere complaints pending preliminary investigation do not amount to formal charges.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When a Reversed Labor Arbiter Ruling Still Means No Refund
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reinstatement pending appeal, payroll reinstatement, and when reversed labor arbiter decisions require no salary refund.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding the Duty to Decide Cases Promptly
The Supreme Court fined a retiring judge P50,000 for leaving 43 cases undecided, affirming that judges must rule within the 90-day period.
Mortgage Validity and Writ of Possession: Upholding Contracts Absent Vitiated Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in foreclosure, contract validity, and consolidation of cases explained in plain language.
Municipal Immunity vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when local governments can be sued on contracts and why their properties remain protected from attachment.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Estate Settlement Finality vs Unrelated Agreements
When a judicially approved compromise ends estate proceedings, lis pendens on covered property may be deemed cancelled under PD 1529.
Collective Bargaining Agreements and Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA disputes, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration jurisdiction in labor cases.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal Employees Right TO Wages Despite Subsequent Reversal
When a labor arbiter orders reinstatement pending appeal, the employee is entitled to wages even if the decision is later reversed on appeal.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Sudden Attacks and the Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising murder to reclusion perpetua.
Court Premises Are Not for Commercial Use: A Lesson in Judicial Dignity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Halls of Justice must be used exclusively for judicial functions, not commercial activities like raffle draws.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Spousal Consent in Conjugal Property Disposition Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court explains why a spouse cannot sell conjugal property without the other's written consent, and what buyers must verify.
When Government Corporations Are Not Employers: The LRTA Case on Labor Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations with original charters fall outside labor arbiter jurisdiction, using the LRTA-METRO case.
Standardized Salaries vs Employee Benefits: Clarifying COLA Integration for Philippine Government Workers
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when COLA and similar allowances are deemed integrated into standardized government salaries under R.A. 6758.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.
Lifting Sequestration Orders Protecting Assets From Mismanagement
When can a sequestration order be lifted for mismanagement? The Supreme Court explains the limits in YKR Corporation v. Sandiganbayan.
Contractual Interest Enforceability of Bank Lending Rates in Delayed Payments
Supreme Court rules stipulated bank lending rates apply automatically to delayed payments without need for separate consent.
Union Registration Fraud Claims: What Eagle Ridge Teaches About Labor Organizing
Supreme Court clarifies when misrepresentation claims can cancel a union's registration, protecting workers' right to self-organization.
Employer-Employee Relationship Defines Labor Jurisdiction in Contractual Arrangements
When does a government-owned corporation become liable for a contractor's employees? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules.
Reassignment and RATA: When Government Employees Keep Their Allowance
The Supreme Court clarifies when a reassigned local government employee may continue receiving RATA, balancing administrative authority with employee rights.
Understanding Reasonable Doubt and Guilty Pleas in Philippine Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on guilty pleas, territorial jurisdiction, and conviction based on evidence rather than plea alone.
Bail Pending Appeal After Conviction: Why Discretion Is Not Automatic
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Leviste v. Court of Appeals on bail pending appeal, judicial discretion, and the limits of certiorari.