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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Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus applies to child custody disputes and why courts must hold a trial, not just produce the child.
Drug Testing on the High Seas: Upholding Seafarer Dismissal for Marijuana Use
Supreme Court rules on seafarer dismissal for positive marijuana test, due process, and drug test evidence in maritime cases.
Employee vs Corporate Officer: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a company administrator is a regular employee, not a corporate officer, for labor jurisdiction purposes.
Custody Rights and the Child's Welfare: Reassessing Habeas Corpus in Family Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases aims to determine rightful custody, not just produce the child.
Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Compliance
Supreme Court clarifies that minor defects in posting certificates don't invalidate extrajudicial foreclosure when publication and notice requirements are substantially met.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases requires a full trial to determine the child's best interests, not just the child's production in court.
Foreclosure Notice Requirements: BPI v. Puzon on Posting, Publication, and Presumption of Regularity
Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure, upholding sale where publication was made and presumption of regularity applied.
Probable Cause and Warrantless Searches: Safeguarding Rights in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains when roadside warrantless searches are valid in drug cases and how probable cause protects accused persons' rights.
CBA Renegotiation Preserving Workers Rights TO Union Representation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how CBA renegotiation affects the 60-day freedom period for certification elections and union representation rights.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
Ejectment Cases: When Courts May Admit Evidence Not in the Pleadings
Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit evidence not raised in pleadings, and how prior titles prevail in ejectment disputes.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
Electric Cooperative Liable for Injuries from Uninsulated High-Voltage Wires
Philippine Supreme Court holds electric cooperative negligent for uninsulated high-voltage lines over a home, affirming damages for electrocution injuries.
When a Transfer Becomes Constructive Dismissal: Limits on Management Prerogative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer crosses the line from valid management prerogative to constructive dismissal, requiring reinstatement and backwages.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Zero-Rated Sales and VAT Refund Eligibility for Power Generation Companies
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in San Roque Power Corp. v. CIR on VAT refunds for zero-rated sales by power generators.
Ejectment Actions Ownership Disputes DO NOT Suspend Ejectment Proceedings
Filing an ownership dispute does not suspend an ejectment case. The Supreme Court explains why in Samonte v. Century Savings Bank.
Due Process, Jurisdiction, and Provisional Remedies in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at Villamor v. People on due process, jurisdiction, and provisional remedies in Philippine criminal procedure.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Ownership and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can retain land under agrarian reform, applying restrictions from LOI 474 to RA 6657.
Electric Cooperative's Negligence in Power Line Installation: Proximate Cause Ruling
Supreme Court affirms liability of electric cooperative for electrocution injuries, applying proximate cause and foreseeability tests in negligence cases.
St. Luke's v. Fadrigo: Loss of Trust and Confidence Needs Substantial Evidence
In St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo, the Supreme Court rules that dismissal for breach of trust must rest on substantial evidence.
Defining Expertise Qualifications for Judiciary's Information Systems Leadership
The Supreme Court clarifies qualification standards for MISO leadership, balancing legal expertise with ICT proficiency.