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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Harbor Pilot Nighttime and Overtime Pay Entitlement Clarified
Supreme Court affirms harbor pilots' right to nighttime and overtime pay under PPA Administrative Order No. 03-85, rejecting PPA resolutions that disallowed such compensation.
Witness Credibility and Treachery in Murder: People v. Goleas
Philippine Supreme Court affirms murder conviction despite witness inconsistencies and defense alibi, explaining treachery and witness credibility rules.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Outside Marriage
Supreme Court dismisses a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, imposing a three-year suspension from law practice.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Infidelity as Grounds for Attorney Disbarment in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on infidelity as grounds for attorney disbarment, clarifying ethical standards for lawyers and judges in the Philippines.
Defective Document Repudiates Land Sale Preserving Torrens Title Integrity
A photocopied deed with irregular notarial details cannot defeat a Torrens title. The Supreme Court explains when laches applies to registered land.
Private Land Rights Prevail Over Free Patent Applications Understanding Land Ownership Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that private land cannot be subjected to free patent applications, settling a decades-long ownership dispute.
Overt Acts and Attempted Rape: Delineating Intent and Execution
The Supreme Court clarifies when an accused's overt acts amount to attempted rape, not a lesser offense, in Rait v. People.
Good Faith Purchasers and Notarized Documents in Philippine Property Sales
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on buyer in good faith protection and reliance on notarized board resolutions in property transactions.
Prior Possession Prevails: Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays on the property.
Upholding Workers' Rights: The Extent of DOLE's Authority and the Validity of Labor Standards Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of DOLE's visitorial powers over labor standards claims and the limits of its jurisdiction.
Tenant or Laborer: Resolving Land Disputes and Compensation Rights in Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when farm workers are tenants, not laborers, and how compensation agreements affect agrarian reform disputes.
Falsification of Documents, Probable Cause, and the Limits of DOJ Discretion
The Supreme Court explains when courts may review the DOJ's probable cause findings and what constitutes a prejudicial question.
Due Process and DOLE Jurisdiction: Lessons from Bay Haven v. Abuan
Supreme Court clarifies DOLE visitorial powers, due process in labor inspections, and limits on monetary awards in compliance orders.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Employment Termination: Striking a Balance
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of trust justifies dismissal and when employers still owe procedural due process.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Warning and Vulnerability in Determining Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery is determined, even when a victim receives a verbal warning before a sudden attack.
When Court Employees Falsify Attendance Records: A Lesson in Judicial Discipline
A Supreme Court ruling on a process server's falsified DTRs shows how dishonesty and absenteeism in the judiciary are punished.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet and Tenancy Rights in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a tenant's right of redemption requires proof of a valid tenancy relationship with the true landowner.
Ports Authority vs Private Operators: When Can the Government Operate Directly
Supreme Court ruling on when government agencies can operate ports without franchises, and limits on lower court injunctions.
Contract Validity and Prescription: Lessons from Dailisan v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court upheld a notarized deed of sale because the heirs failed to seek annulment within four years, and partition does not prescribe for a co-owner.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: Compromise Agreements Do Not Erase Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa: compromise agreements and payment do not extinguish criminal liability once judgment becomes final.
Compulsory Retirement at 60: When Company Policy Violates Security of Tenure
A company policy forcing retirement at 60 can be illegal dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Falsifying Time Records in Government: The Case of a Court Process Server Dismissed for Dishonesty
A Supreme Court ruling shows how falsified daily time records lead to dismissal for dishonesty, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
From Partial to Total: Converting Disability Benefits Under Philippine Law
When can a permanent partial disability (PPD) benefit be converted to permanent total disability (PTD)? The Supreme Court explains in GSIS v. Casco.
When Judges Overstep: Notarizing Private Deeds as Ex-Officio Notaries
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges may notarize documents, and the limits of their authority as ex-officio notaries public.