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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Upholding Integrity: Public Officials Held Accountable for Dishonesty and Misconduct
The Supreme Court reinstates the Ombudsman's ruling against a school principal for dishonesty, grave misconduct, and prohibited private practice under R.A. 6713.
Judicial Delay and Misconduct: When Can You File an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines
Learn when you can file an administrative case against a Philippine judge for misconduct or delay, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in OCA v. Floro.
Prima Facie Evidence in Disbarment Cases: Protecting Lawyers From Baseless Accusations
Learn how the Supreme Court protects lawyers from baseless disbarment complaints, requiring prima facie evidence before full investigation proceeds.
Public Plaza vs. Private Property: Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When can land used as a public plaza be claimed as private property? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on property of public dominion.
Nominal Damages in Labor Disputes: When Courts Can Reduce the Award
Philippine Supreme Court explains when and how courts may reduce nominal damages awarded to employees in illegal dismissal cases.
Upholding Judicial Order: Why Judges Must Obey Supreme Court Directives
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for violating an administrative order—what it means for judicial discipline and court authority.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Appeal Not Automatically Dismissed for Minor Docket Fee Shortage Upholding Substantial Justice
SC rules appeal not automatically dismissed for minor docket fee shortage; substantial justice prevails over procedural technicalities.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
Missed Deadline Understanding Counsel OF Record IN Philippine Courts AND Valid Service OF Court Decisions
When does a lawyer's receipt of a court decision bind the client? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on counsel of record and appeal deadlines.
Verbal Promises and Land Ownership: Why Word of Honor Fails in Philippine Property Disputes
A Torrens title is indefeasible. Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that verbal promises cannot defeat a registered landowner's rights in the Philippines.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
When Duty Turns Deadly: Justifiable Force and Homicide in Philippine Law
A police officer shot a man during a routine check. The Supreme Court explains when self-defense and performance of duty fail.
When Does A Workplace Aggravate A Pre-Existing Condition Understanding Employees Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when workplace conditions aggravate pre-existing illnesses and how this affects employees' compensation claims in the Philippines.
Lost Land Title? Why Notifying Neighbors Is Non-Negotiable: A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to prove notice to adjoining owners voids a judicial reconstitution of a lost land title.
Lost in Translation: Why Accurate Publication Is Key to Philippine Naturalization
The Supreme Court denies naturalization where the notice of hearing omitted the applicant's witnesses' names—publication must be complete and accurate.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Office Rules Matter When Tardiness Isnt Absenteeism In Philippine Courts
Supreme Court clarifies that an administrative circular on habitual absenteeism cannot be used to discipline mere tardiness. Learn the distinction.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
When Can Courts Halt Government Infrastructure Projects? The Hernandez Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects despite PD 1818.
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: High Court Clarifies Social Media Evidence and Penalties
Supreme Court affirms conviction for online psychological abuse under RA 9262, sets guidelines on proving social media authorship, and raises penalty for ICT use.
Lawyer Fined for Shouting at Court Staff and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court imposes fines on lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP directives, reinforcing ethical standards for attorneys.
Ejectment Suits: Prior Physical Possession Decides Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in ejectment cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays. Learn the rules from Guanga v. Dela Cruz.