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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Breaking Down Land Ownership Disputes When Hearsay Clouds Real Estate Claims
A Supreme Court ruling explains why hearsay evidence fails in property disputes, and how Torrens titles protect registered owners.
Substantial Compliance in Appellate Procedure: Balancing Technical Rules and Justice
The Supreme Court relaxes technical rules in labor cases, allowing substantial compliance with Rule 65 and Rule 13 requirements.
Forced Resignation vs Voluntary Retirement: Protecting Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a worker who signed a retirement notice and quitclaim under company pressure was illegally dismissed, not voluntarily retired.
Counsel's Negligence and Due Process: When Does It Warrant a New Trial
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer's negligence justifies a new trial and when it does not, in Elpidio S. Uy v. First Metro Integrated Steel Corp.
Self-Defense vs Treachery: When Killing Is Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder. Learn the legal rules.
Reversion Suits: When the State Must Prove Forest Land Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the State's burden in reversion cases, protecting vested rights over land titles issued before forest classification.
Presidential Approval and Contract Validity: Limits of Executive Power in Philippine Procurement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when presidential approval is required for government contracts and the limits of executive discretion in procurement.
Gross Receipts Tax: Final Withholding Tax Included in Bank's Tax Base
Supreme Court rules 20% final withholding tax on bank passive income forms part of gross receipts for computing 5% gross receipts tax.
Injunctive Relief and Status Quo in Foreclosure Disputes: The Dela Cruz Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending agrarian tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and the principle of status quo.
Tenancy Claims and Forcible Entry: How Philippine Courts Resolve Jurisdictional Conflicts in Agrarian Disputes
When a tenant is sued for forcible entry, which tribunal has jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies the interplay between agrarian and civil courts.
Buy-Bust Operations in Drug Cases: Legality and Constitutional Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court in People v. Sy upheld the legality of buy-bust operations while stressing that courts must closely scrutinize how such operations are carried out.
Upholding Land Titles When Government Reversion Claims Fail
When can the government cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain? The Supreme Court explains the limits of reversion actions.
CARP Coverage and Tenancy: Resolving Land Disputes Amidst Conflicting Claims and Vested Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending DARAB tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and CARP coverage.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: When Moral Damages Are Not Automatic in Sales Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that mere breach of contract does not justify moral damages absent proof of bad faith or fraud.
Employer Liability for Negligent Employee: Quasi-Delict vs Subsidiary Liability
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers face direct liability for employee negligence under Article 2180, Civil Code, distinct from subsidiary criminal liability.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Clerks of Court Failing to Safeguard Public Funds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on dismissal of court personnel for breach of trust involving mishandling of public funds.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Proving Alienable and Disposable Land: Key Lessons from Tri-Plus on Land Registration
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove land is alienable and disposable in Philippine land registration cases.
Honesty in Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Daily Time Records
Court rules that instructing others to punch a time card constitutes falsification and dishonesty, even for official business.
Limits on Delegated Authority: NPC Drivers and Mechanics Association v. NPC
When board members send alternates to vote, are their resolutions valid? The Supreme Court says no—discretion cannot be delegated.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
The Supreme Court clarifies when production assistants in broadcasting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure and CBA benefits.
Arson and Homicide: Distinguishing Intent and Consequences in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when arson absorbs resulting deaths versus when separate homicide charges apply, using intent as the key.
Res Judicata and Land Disputes: When a Prior Judgment Bars Relitigation
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata prevents relitigation of land disputes, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Villarino v. Avila.
Supplemental Complaints and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Young v. Sy
The Supreme Court clarifies when supplemental complaints are allowed and why filing both an appeal and certiorari amounts to forum shopping.