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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Security of Tenure vs AWOL: Protecting Employee Rights in Contested Elections
Supreme Court ruling on dropping employees from rolls for AWOL during contested mayoralty elections, upholding security of tenure.
Right to Information: Compelling Document Production in Credit Assignment Cases
Supreme Court rules on compelling production of documents referenced in a Deed of Assignment under Rule 27, protecting debtors' right to information.
Mutuality of Contracts: Borrower's Right to Inspect Loan Sale Documents Under Rule 27
Supreme Court rules borrowers may compel production of loan sale agreements to verify consideration and exercise redemption rights under Article 1634.
Unraveling Oral Contracts: Dantis v. Maghinang, Jr. on Land Ownership
The Supreme Court clarifies when oral contracts for land sale fail, hearsay and photocopy evidence are inadmissible, and Torrens titles prevail.
Perfecting Appeals Strict Compliance With Rules OF Court IS Mandatory
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on writs of possession, third-party adverse claims, and strict procedural compliance in extrajudicial foreclosures.
Security OF Tenure Illegal Dismissal AND THE Rights OF Security Guards
Substantial Compliance Rule in Land Reform Cases: Heirs of Gallardo v. Soliman
The Supreme Court clarifies when substantial compliance with the certification against forum shopping suffices, protecting heirs' rights in land reform disputes.
Protecting Third Party Rights in Foreclosure When Possession Trumps Ownership
When a third party adversely possesses foreclosed property, courts must hold a hearing before issuing a writ of possession.
Upholding Ethical Standards: Infidelity in Public Service and Its Consequences
Court personnel face strict moral standards. A sheriff's 15-year illicit relationship and gun firing led to 12-month suspension.
Amusement Tax Authority: Defining Places of Amusement Under the Local Government Code
Supreme Court clarifies which venues qualify as "places of amusement" for provincial amusement tax under the Local Government Code.
Amusement Tax and Local Government Authority: Defining "Other Places of Amusement"
Supreme Court rules provinces cannot tax resort admissions as "other places of amusement" under the Local Government Code.
Breach OF Contract Upholding Contractual Obligations IN Shipbuilding Agreements
The Fencing Law and the Presumption in Dealing With Stolen Goods
Understand the Anti-Fencing Law's presumption of guilt for possessing stolen goods, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Presumptive Death Declarations: Proving Well-Founded Belief and the Right Remedy on Appeal
Learn the rules on judicial declaration of presumptive death under Article 41 of the Family Code, including the required proof and why such rulings are immediately final and executory.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees Reprimanded for Discourteous Conduct
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability for discourteous conduct by judicial employees and its implications.
Safehouse Conspiracy: Knowing Participation in Kidnapping for Ransom
How the Supreme Court held a safehouse owner and others liable for kidnapping for ransom through conspiracy and knowing participation.
Court Relaxes Forum Shopping Rule for Heirs Sharing Common Interest in Land Case
Supreme Court rules heirs with common interest may substantially comply with certification against forum shopping, remanding agrarian dispute for merits review.
Self-Defense Under Scrutiny: When Does a Threat Justify Homicide in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a threat justifies killing in self-defense, requiring actual unlawful aggression, not mere intimidation.
Directors' Bonuses and Withholding Tax: Clarifying Employee Status in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on directors' bonuses, withholding tax on compensation, and the definition of received a Letter of Authority in 1998 to examine its books for taxable year 1997. Followi
Quantum Meruit: Fair Pay When Contracts Lack Clear Terms
Learn how quantum meruit ensures fair compensation when contracts lack clear payment terms, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in International Hotel Corporation v. Joaquin.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Clarifying Rights and Procedures in Disputed Property Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified extrajudicial foreclosure rules, writ of possession, and procedural requirements in disputed mortgage cases.
Valid Contracts Despite Regulatory Lapses: Moldex Realty vs. Flora Saberon
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a developer's lack of license or failure to register does not void a contract to sell.
When a Judge Assists Family in Court: Conduct Unbecoming and the Ban on Private Practice
A judge who coached his daughter and assisted his wife in an administrative case was fined for conduct unbecoming and practicing law.
Broken Chain of Custody Leads to Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspect when police fail to document custody of seized shabu, stressing strict compliance with RA 9165.