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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Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Court Personnel Smoking or Vaping in Court Premises: A Less Serious Offense
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for smoking or vaping within court premises, imposing fines under Rule 140.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Habitual Tardiness in the Workplace: When Excuses Don't Excuse Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness, pregnancy as an excuse, and penalties under Civil Service rules.
Regular vs Project Employees: SSS Coverage and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that project employees are still covered by compulsory SSS, and employers must remit contributions regardless of tenure.
Reckless Imprudence and Vehicular Accidents: Proximate Cause in Philippine Criminal Law
How the Supreme Court determines proximate cause in reckless imprudence vehicular accident cases, explained through Gabriel v. Court of Appeals.
Upholding Notarial Duties Accuracy and Diligence in Legal Documentation
A lawyer-notary's failure to observe notarial formalities draws administrative sanctions, even without deceit. Learn the mandatory rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Land Registration: Blueprint Plan Can Substitute for Tracing Cloth
Supreme Court clarifies that a certified blueprint plan can sufficiently identify land for registration, reversing the Court of Appeals' strict ruling.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
When Bank Receivership Does Not Stop Prescription on Mortgage Foreclosure
A bank's receivership does not automatically suspend the prescriptive period for foreclosing a mortgage, the Supreme Court ruled.
Agrarian Dispute vs Recovery of Possession: Defining DARAB Jurisdiction
When does DARAB have exclusive jurisdiction over agricultural land cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between agrarian disputes and ordinary recovery of possession actions.
Funding Source for Judicial Retirement Benefits: General Fund vs Special Allowance Fund
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement benefits of justices and judges, including amounts based on special allowances, must be sourced from the General Fund.
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spouse's Consent Is Void: Key Ruling
Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's consent is void, and why a mere option to buy is not enforceable.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Forum Shopping and Due Process: When Technical Dismissal Crosses the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping elements and warns against rigid technicality that denies substantive justice.
Upholding Work Ethic Consequences for Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness in public service, penalties, and why family excuses don't excuse chronic lateness.
Judges Must Control Court Proceedings and Resolve Cases Promptly: A Lesson from A.M. No. 03-10-250-MCTC
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges they cannot delegate control of court proceedings to clerks or litigants, and must resolve cases promptly.
Ombudsman's Discretion in Dismissing Graft Complaints: Samson v. Ombudsman
When can courts overturn the Ombudsman's dismissal of an anti-graft complaint? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial review.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
When Silence Speaks: Implied Contracts and the Burden of Proof in Business Deals
The Supreme Court clarifies that implied contracts require clear evidence, not mere suspicion, in disputes over business transactions.
Rape by a Parent: When Sexual Abuse Severs the Bonds of Trust
The Supreme Court affirms the death penalty for a father who raped his 11-year-old daughter, ruling on qualified rape and guilty pleas.
Neglect of Duty Requires Substantial Evidence: Protecting Public Servants From Unsubstantiated Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for neglect of duty demands substantial evidence, not mere allegations or speculation.
Supervision vs. Control: Safeguarding Local Autonomy in the Liga ng mga Barangay
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between supervision and control over the Liga ng mga Barangay, protecting local autonomy.
Supreme Court Reinstates NLRC Ruling on Belated Labor Appeal: Timeliness Matters
SC ruling clarifies that belated appeals to the NLRC cannot be excused by mere merit arguments, reaffirming strict procedural rules.