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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Dismissed Counterclaims and Deposit Withdrawal After Failed Expropriation
When expropriation fails, can property owners still recover damages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on compulsory counterclaims and deposit withdrawal.
Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran: Illegal Dismissal, Retirement, and CBA Benefits
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, optional retirement, CBA benefits for managers, and tax disputes in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Parol Evidence Rule Bars Verbal Conditions on Written Contracts: Allied Banking v. Cheng Yong
Supreme Court clarifies that clear written contracts cannot be varied by verbal stipulations, applying the parol evidence rule to loan and mortgage agreements.
Due Process in Termination: Ensuring Fair Notice and Opportunity to Be Heard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule in employee dismissal and the consequences of non-compliance.
Compassionate Justice: Evaluating Penalties and Granting Clemency in Judiciary Misconduct Cases
The Supreme Court grants judicial clemency to a dismissed judge, balancing discipline with compassion in administrative cases.
State Witness Exclusion: Balancing Prosecutorial Discretion and Court Oversight
The Supreme Court clarifies when prosecutors may exclude accused persons from an information to make them state witnesses, and the limits of judicial discretion.
Public Bidding Discretion: When Government May Reject a Bid Without Court Interference
Supreme Court clarifies government's broad discretion in public bidding awards, protecting decisions absent grave abuse, fraud, or unfairness.
Upholding Ethical Standards Failure TO PAY Just Debts AS Administrative Offense IN THE Judiciary
Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary: A Reprimand for a Clerk III and What It Means for Public Servants
The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on habitual tardiness in the civil service, penalizing a court clerk who was late 26 times in two months.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debt: Court Employees and the Duty to Honor Financial Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that court employees who willfully fail to pay just debts face administrative sanctions, even after full payment.
Finality of Judgments Curbing Dilatory Tactics in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final and executory judgments, stopping endless motions that delay property execution and justice.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
Quasi-Delict Claims: Proving Negligence in Vehicular Accidents Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court affirms negligence finding in vehicular accident case, clarifying quasi-delict liability and the rule that factual findings bind the Court.
Partition of Property and Co-Ownership Claims in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how ejectment cases handle co-ownership claims and Torrens title holders' right to possession.
Legal Redemption of Small Urban Lots: When Neighbors Can Buy
Explain the Supreme Court's ruling on legal redemption under Article 1622, including the four elements a neighbor must prove.
Mortgage Agreements Defining THE Limits OF A Debtors Liability IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on dragnet clauses in mortgages and their effect on a debtor's liability limit.
Urban Land Redemption Size Speculation and Neighborly Rights in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when homeowners associations can sue, the limits of mandamus, and the rules on urban land disposition.
Extraordinary Diligence of Common Carriers: Liability for Cargo Loss in Fortuitous Events
When is a common carrier liable for lost cargo during a storm? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on extraordinary diligence and fortuitous events.
Double Jeopardy and Grave Abuse of Discretion: When Acquittal Can Be Challenged
Philippine Supreme Court explains when an acquittal can be challenged and the limits of double jeopardy protection.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Sheriffs Duty Upholding Impartiality AND DUE Process IN Execution OF Judgments
Can the Special Prosecutor Exercise Preventive Suspension Powers? Key SC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules on whether the Ombudsman's Special Prosecutor may validly issue preventive suspension orders in administrative cases.
Per Diem Is the Limit: Examining Compensation for Water District Directors
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, not other allowances or benefits.
From Grave to Simple: When Can Misconduct Charges Be Reduced
The Supreme Court explains when grave misconduct may be reduced to simple misconduct in administrative cases, and why due process allows it.