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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dual Citizens' Right to Vote: Residency and Absentee Voting Reconciled
The Supreme Court ruled that dual citizens under RA 9225 may vote as absentee voters under RA 9189, reconciling constitutional residency with overseas voting.
Motion to Defer Arraignment Denied: Understanding Grave Abuse of Discretion in Philippine Courts
When can a judge's refusal to postpone arraignment amount to grave abuse of discretion? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial discretion.
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.
Dismissal of Administrative Complaints: Insufficient Evidence and Judicial Remedies
Learn when administrative complaints against judges and court personnel fail for lack of evidence and why judicial remedies come first.
Probable Cause in Search Warrants: Lessons from the Marlboro Counterfeit Case
When is a search warrant valid in IP cases? The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards in People v. Choi.
Estoppel Against the Philippine Government: When It Does Not Apply in Land Registration Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government cannot be estopped from challenging void land registration judgments, even after decades of delay.
Court System Dismissal Denials Forum Shopping and the Hierarchy of Courts
The Supreme Court explains when certiorari is proper, what forum shopping requires, and why litigants must respect judicial hierarchy.
Forum Shopping and Mootness in Intra-Corporate Disputes: The Huibonhoa Case
The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping tests and mootness doctrine in intra-corporate disputes, offering practical guidance for litigants and counsel.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Breach of Contract Upholding Rescission Rights in Land Sales
When a buyer defaults on a land sale agreement, the seller may validly rescind. The Supreme Court explains the limits of a buyer's right to demand execution of a contract.