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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Regular Employment vs Redundancy: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand when probationary employees become regular, what proves valid redundancy, and how the Supreme Court safeguards security of tenure.
Filing a Motion to Reduce Appeal Bond Does Not Stop the Appeal Period
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an employer's motion to reduce an NLRC appeal bond does not suspend the 10-day appeal period.
Employee Misconduct and Loss of Trust: When Off-Duty Actions Justify Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can off-duty conduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court explains serious misconduct and loss of trust in Lopez v. NLRC.
Contractual Obligations: When Agreed Interest Rates in Land Sales Are Upheld
The Supreme Court upheld a 24% annual interest rate in an installment land sale, ruling that parties are bound by their contract absent any legal prohibition.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Administrative Reconstitution Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court explains when a spurious Torrens title may be cancelled in administrative reconstitution proceedings without a separate court action.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
Unbilled Electricity Consumption: When Can a Utility Company Charge You
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when electric utilities can charge consumers for unbilled consumption due to alleged meter tampering.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Repatriation Doesn't End Your Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers repatriated due to vessel sale may still claim disability benefits under POEA contract.
Tenant's Right of Redemption Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: Key Lessons from Planters Development Bank v. G
Understand the tenant's right of redemption under Philippine agrarian law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Planters Development Bank v. Garcia.
Probationary Employment in Academia: Ateneo's Right to Set Standards for Faculty Retention
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that universities may set their own standards for probationary faculty retention, and how the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools applies.
Choosing Foreclosure Vendor Cant Demand Unpaid Balance After Seizing Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vendor who forecloses a chattel mortgage cannot also sue for the unpaid balance. Article 1484 explained.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Real Property Tax on Government Land: When the Beneficial User Pays
The Supreme Court explains when a government-owned corporation is the "beneficial user" of public land and must pay real property tax.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Accountability for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed decisions underscores the 90-day rule and judicial accountability in the Philippines.
When Final Is Final: Ejectment Orders and Socialized Housing Claims
The Supreme Court upheld an ejectment and demolition order, ruling that a lost appeal cannot be replaced by certiorari and that RA 7279 protections require proof of beneficiary status.
Interpreting Contracts When Subsequent Means After THE Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract interpretation: "subsequent administrative orders" means orders issued after the contract's signing date.
Upholding Procedural Rules: Why Filing Deadlines Matter in Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling shows why missed appeal deadlines and improper certiorari petitions can lead to immediate eviction and demolition.
Supreme Court Strikes Down SSS Retirement Date Restriction on Survivor's Pension
The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the SSS rule limiting survivor's pension to beneficiaries "as of the date of retirement," ruling it violates due process and equal protection.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in DENR Land Disputes: Key Lessons from Morcal v. Laviña
Learn the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies in DENR land disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Morcal v. Laviña.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Bigamy and Presumptive Death: When a Second Marriage Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of presumptive death is required before remarrying, and when bigamy applies.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Real Estate Installment Cancellation Rules Under the Maceda Law: Key Lessons from Fabrigas v. San Francisco De
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Maceda Law cancellation rules, novation, and ratification in installment contract disputes.