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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Agrarian Reform Succession and Prescription: De Tumol v. Esguerra
The Supreme Court ruled that a daughter's claim to succeed her father's farmholding was barred by prescription and laches, upholding the DAR order favoring her brother.
PLDT v. City of Bacolod: The Limits of the Most-Favored-Treatment Clause in Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that the most-favored-treatment clause in R.A. 7925 does not grant tax exemptions to telecommunications companies.
Motion vs Action in Title Disputes After Execution Sales: Key Lessons from Padilla v. PPCMA
When can a buyer at execution sale get new titles by mere motion? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy under PD 1529.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Victim's Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a mentally retarded victim's straightforward testimony remains credible and sufficient for conviction.
Employer Status and Return-to-Work Orders: PLDT v. MKP on Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of the Labor Secretary's power to exclude redundant workers from return-to-work orders under Article 263(g).
Quitclaims in Labor Disputes: When Voluntary Settlements Are Valid and Binding
The Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims in labor disputes are valid, emphasizing voluntary agreement and reasonable settlement over mere allegations of coercion.
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals and the Lost Appeal
In Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's negligence and that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Preliminary Injunction vs. Government Bidding: PPA v. Cipres Stevedoring (G.R. No. 145742)
The Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot stop government cargo handling bids, and that a hold-over permit creates no vested right to a contract.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Substantiation Required for Valid Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove breach of trust with substantial evidence before terminating employees for loss of confidence.
Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules: The Fresh Period Rule for Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies that curative procedural rules apply retroactively, granting a fresh 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions after denial of reconsideration.
Redemption Rights Strict Compliance AND THE Limits OF Repurchase Agreements After Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with statutory redemption periods and limits of repurchase agreements after foreclosure.
Public Officials' Liability in Infrastructure Projects: The Brucal Case
Supreme Court clarifies when public engineers face dismissal for gross neglect in infrastructure projects, and when dishonesty charges fail.
When Can Multiple Parties Be Included in a Single Lawsuit? Permissible Joinder Explained
Learn the rules on permissible joinder of parties in Philippine civil cases, explained through Supreme Court rulings in plain language.
Agrarian Law Livestock Farms Exempt From CARP Coverage If Primarily Devoted To Livestock Raising Before 1988
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when livestock farms are exempt from agrarian reform coverage under CARP and RA 6657.
Equitable Interest When Mortgage Rates Clash With Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption rights, mortgage rates, and legal limits in Banco Filipino case.
Possession vs Ownership: How Tax Declarations and Evidence Resolve Land Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling explains how tax declarations and evidence of possession resolve land disputes, and why paper title alone may not win the case.
Salary Standardization Act: The July 1, 1989 Cut-Off for Non-Integrated Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that only incumbents as of July 1, 1989 may continue receiving non-integrated benefits like the NTA's Educational Assistance Incentive Bonus.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Dismiss? Lessons from Bonifacio Construction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that denial of a motion to dismiss is interlocutory, not appealable via certiorari. Learn the proper remedy.
Unjust Enrichment and Contractual Obligations: Lessons from Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land sales, down payment refunds, and unjust enrichment in Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen.
Upholding Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Charges Based on Insufficient Evidence of Collusion
Supreme Court denies surety's petition, ruling that procedural lapses and failure to timely challenge bail bond forfeitures bar relief.
Protecting Labor's Bread: Defining Employee Status and Rights to Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure, back salaries, and the binding authority of CSC regional offices in personnel matters.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.