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 a Settlement Waives Reinstatement: PNOC-EDC v. Abella on Labor Compromises
The Supreme Court explains when a compromise agreement in a labor case bars claims for reinstatement and how management transfers may be valid.
MTRCB Review Power Over TV Programs: The Inside Story Ruling on Freedom of Expression
Supreme Court affirms MTRCB authority to review all television programs, including public affairs shows, citing the Iglesia ni Cristo doctrine.
When Promises Corrupt Justice: Ethical Boundaries for Court Sheriffs in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on sheriffs' ethical duties, corruption, and the consequences of overstepping authority in court proceedings.
Notarial Negligence: A Lawyer's Duty to Supervise and the Risks of Delegating Notarial Functions
The Supreme Court suspended a notary public for letting office secretaries handle his notarial duties, underscoring a lawyer's personal responsibility over notarization.
Retirement Benefits and Notional Salary: Employee Rights in Overseas Assignments
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether retirement benefits for overseas-assigned employees are based on notional or actual salary.
Double Sales and Good Faith: Protecting Prior Rights in Property Disputes
When two sales of the same land occur, who wins? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on double sales and good faith.
Indispensable Parties and Representative Capacity in Property Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on indispensable parties, representative capacity to sue, and quieting of title actions in property disputes.
Res Judicata and Annulment of Titles: DBP v. La Campana Development Corporation
When does a prior final judgment bar a new case? The Supreme Court explains res judicata's limits in DBP v. La Campana.
When Possession Does Not Equal Ownership: Land Registration and the Alienable and Disposable Requirement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when possession of public land can ripen into ownership for registration under the Property Registration Decree.
Surety vs Guarantor: Understanding Liability in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the key difference between a surety and a guarantor, and why a surety cannot invoke defenses meant for the principal debtor.
Burden of Proof in Estafa: Proving Deceit Beyond Reasonable Doubt in Bouncing Check Cases
Postdated checks don't automatically mean estafa. The Supreme Court explains why deceit must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
When Can a Philippine Court Reopen a Case? Limits on Trial Court Discretion
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case, ruling that trial courts abuse discretion when they flip-flop without cogent reasons.
Judicial Overreach Reining IN Interference With Prosecutorial Discretion
Supreme Court clarifies limits on judicial interference with prosecutorial discretion in dismissing a petition challenging the validity of a municipal creation.
Can a Voided Municipality Be Revived? Lessons from Andong, Lanao del Sur
The Supreme Court rules that a municipality voided in Pelaez cannot be revived without legislative action, even if it claims to exist.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Ensuring Fair Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how to compute incremental proceeds from tuition fee increases for employee benefits under RA 6728.
Liability for Damages: Balancing Official Duty and Personal Bad Faith
A public officer's official acts can still trigger personal liability for damages when done in bad faith, as this Philippine Supreme Court case shows.
Self-Defense Claims Fail When Evidence Shows Accused Was the Aggressor
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when incomplete self-defense applies in homicide cases and why the accused's version must be credible.
DOLE's Visitorial Powers: No P5,000 Cap on Compliance Orders After R.A. 7730
Supreme Court clarifies that DOLE regional directors may issue compliance orders for labor standards violations regardless of the amount of money claims involved.
Prior Possession Prevails Resolving Forcible Entry Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts resolve forcible entry cases by protecting prior physical possession, with insights from a Supreme Court ruling.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Despite Pending Mortgage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why courts must issue writs of possession in foreclosure sales even when the mortgage validity is being challenged.
When a Writ of Possession Is Ministerial: Lessons from a Judge's Administrative Case
The Supreme Court explains why a judge cannot be disciplined for issuing a writ of possession after foreclosure, even if the mortgagor questions the mortgage's validity.
Habitual Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Court Employee Suspended for Unauthorized Leave
Supreme Court suspends court stenographer for habitual absenteeism, stressing public office as a public trust and the duty to inform superiors of absences.
Upholding Accountability Consequences FOR Habitual Absenteeism IN Public Service
The Supreme Court rules on habitual absenteeism in public service, clarifying penalties, AWOL rules, and mitigating circumstances.
Upholding Procedural Rules: How Counsel's Negligence Binds Clients in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a lawyer's failure to file a timely appeal binds the client, even in labor cases.