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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When "No Work, No Pay" Doesn't Apply: Employee Rights During Internal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee under investigation may still be entitled to wages, even if not reporting for work.
Lawyer's Inaction Causing Case Dismissal Is Professional Misconduct: Agustin v. Empleo
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands a lawyer for four years of inaction on a court order, resulting in case dismissal. Know the duty.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Dismissal vs Proportionality: Employee Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is dismissal too harsh a penalty for employee misconduct? The Supreme Court explains the rule of proportionality in labor cases.
CBA Hiring Rules vs Management Prerogative: What Employers and Unions Must Know
Supreme Court ruling on when management can set hiring qualifications for CBA recommendees, and when established practice binds the employer.
Real Property Tax Exemption for Telecoms: Understanding Franchise Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on Bayantel's real property tax exemption under its legislative franchise, and what this means for telecom companies.
Dismissed on Technicality: Why Proper Procedure Is Key in Philippine Certiorari Cases
A behest-loan case dismissed as moot shows why choosing the right remedy—Rule 65, not Rule 45—matters in Philippine procedure.
Forcible Entry vs Recovery of Ownership: Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is forcible entry (MTC jurisdiction) or recovery of ownership (RTC jurisdiction).
Prescription Periods in Philippine Anti-Graft Cases: When Does the Clock Really Start
Learn how Philippine courts determine when the prescriptive period for anti-graft offenses begins, based on recent Supreme Court rulings.
Lease Renewal in the Philippines: What "Upon Agreement" Really Means
A lease "renewable upon agreement" requires mutual consent—no automatic renewal. Learn the rules from Josefa v. San Buenaventura.
Philippine Retrenchment Navigating Layoffs AND DUE Process TO Avoid Costly Labor Disputes
Understand Philippine retrenchment rules from TPI v. Cajucom: valid authorized cause, proper notice, and separation pay requirements.
When Government Takes Property Without Expropriation: Just Compensation Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to value property taken by government without expropriation proceedings, and when back rentals are due.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in CARP Exemption Cases: Lessons from Santos Development Corp.
A landowner's failure to follow DAR administrative procedures bars judicial relief, even in mandamus petitions. Learn the key rules.
Public vs Private Entities: Defining Government Control Over Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court's ruling in Veterans Federation of the Philippines v. Reyes clarifies when a corporation is public and subject to government control.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Key in Agrarian Reform Exemption Cases
Landowners must follow DAR procedures before going to court, as shown in Nicanor T. Santos Development Corp. v. DAR.
Unreliable Eyewitness Testimony: Rabanal v. People and Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt
The Supreme Court's ruling in Rabanal v. People shows how inconsistent eyewitness testimony and contradicting physical evidence can lead to acquittal.
Habeas Corpus and Deportation in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus is available in deportation cases and why filing the wrong remedy can be fatal.
Extradition and Due Process: Bail Cancellation Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when bail in extradition cases can be cancelled, and the due process rights of prospective extraditees.
SSS Death Benefits: Proving Spousal and Child Dependency in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on SSS death benefit claims, focusing on proving dependency for spouses and legitimacy for children.
Appeal or Certiorari: Choosing the Right Legal Remedy in Philippine Courts
Learn when to file an appeal under Rule 45 versus certiorari under Rule 65, and why choosing the wrong remedy can cost a case.
Stock Trading Risks: Broker and Investor Duties in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when brokers and investors are liable for unpaid stock trades and how the pari delicto rule applies.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction and Tenancy Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when DARAB has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes and what evidence proves tenancy and ownership rights.
Attorney Misconduct When Personal Debt Leads to Professional Discipline in the Philippines
When can a lawyer's unpaid personal debt and bouncing checks lead to suspension? The Supreme Court explains in Tomlin v. Moya.
Breach of Contract and Banks Duty: Damages for Malicious Suspension of Credit Line
A bank that maliciously suspends a credit line breaches its contract and may be liable for damages, as the Supreme Court ruled in Republic Planters Bank v. Montinola.