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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Res Judicata in Philippine Courts: When Substantial Justice Overrides Procedural Bars
The Supreme Court explains when res judicata may yield to substantial justice, using De Leon v. Balinag as a guide.
Employee Dismissal for Refusal to Work Requires Concrete Proof and Due Process
Philippine Supreme Court rules that dismissing employees for alleged refusal to work needs solid evidence and proper notice, not just accusations.
Illegal Recruitment: The Fine Line Between Referral and Criminal Activity
When does helping a neighbor find overseas work become illegal recruitment? The Supreme Court clarifies the line in this 2006 ruling.
Probation and Electoral Eligibility: Resolving Conflicts Between the Probation Law and Local Government Code
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationers who have not served their sentence are not disqualified from running for local office under the Local Government Code.
Reconstitution of Title: An Unsigned Duplicate Owner's Copy Is Not Enough
Philippine Supreme Court rules that an unsigned, unauthenticated owner's duplicate of a title cannot support judicial reconstitution under RA 26.
Military Discipline vs Civilian Courts: Jurisdiction Over Service-Connected Offenses
Supreme Court clarifies when military personnel face court-martial for service-connected offenses under RA 7055, citing the Oakwood mutiny case.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Fair Market Value and the Role of Commissioners' Reports
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts must determine just compensation in expropriation cases, and the proper weight of commissioners' reports.
Mortgage Foreclosure: Why Stipulated Notice Requirements Matter in Real Estate Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure: stipulated notice requirements in mortgage contracts are mandatory and enforceable.
Presidential Approval Required for Government Vehicle Purchases: DBP v. COA
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of DBP's vehicle purchases for lack of presidential approval under LOI 667 and Letter of Implementation No. 29.
Default Judgments and Due Process: What Civil Litigants Must Know
A bus company was declared in default for missing trial. The Supreme Court clarified the rules on default, due process, and procedural rights.
Corporate Asset Purchases and Prior Presidential Approval: DBP v. COA
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in DBP v. COA on prior presidential approval for government corporate vehicle purchases and disallowance.
Substandard Deliveries in Government Contracts: When Penalties Apply
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a milling contractor can be held liable for substandard rice deliveries under government contracts.
Conditional Contracts to Sell: When Buyers' Payment Hinges on Sellers' Prior Mortgage Release
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in a contract to sell, buyers need not pay until sellers secure mortgage release, and rescission under Article 1191 does not apply.
Certiorari Limits: When Factual Errors Do Not Justify Supreme Court Intervention
The Supreme Court clarifies that Rule 45 certiorari cannot correct mere factual errors, only grave abuse of discretion.
Management Prerogative vs Employee Rights: The Limits of Promotion Decisions
When does a supervisor's recommendation bind management? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of management prerogative in promotion decisions.
Balancing Free Speech and Reputation: Defining Libel in Philippine Journalism
A look at how the Supreme Court defined the line between press freedom and libel in a landmark 2006 case.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro: Protecting Borrowers' Rights
When is a sale with right to repurchase actually an equitable mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the legal presumption protecting borrowers.
Eminent Domain by LGUs: Why an Ordinance Is Required, Not Just a Resolution
Philippine Supreme Court rules a mere resolution cannot authorize a local government's expropriation; an ordinance is required under the Local Government Code.
Timeliness Matters: Questioning Labor Execution Orders Beyond the Deadline
A Supreme Court ruling on why workers who questioned a labor execution writ beyond the 10-day period lost their claim.
Sheriffs Overreach Limits To Public Service And Ethical Conduct In The Philippine Judiciary
A sheriff who prepares demand letters for private parties exceeds his authority and commits misconduct, says the Supreme Court.
Torrens Title vs. Laches: When Delay Bars a Quieting of Title Claim
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether laches can bar a quieting of title action over registered land, and the limits of Torrens title protection.
Intestate Succession and Laches: Protecting Heirs' Rights to Family Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on heirs' rights to inherited property, extrajudicial settlement validity, and when laches cannot bar succession claims.
Contempt of Court and Administrative Dismissals: Balancing Executive Action and Judicial Process
When can a government official be cited for contempt for implementing an administrative dismissal pending appeal? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.