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 vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure for Sugar Plantation Workers
When are sugar plantation workers regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not seasonal workers? The Supreme Court explains in Hacienda Bino v. Cuenca.
Locus Standi in Philippine Courts: Who Can Challenge Government Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on legal standing (locus standi) in Domingo v. Carague, clarifying who may challenge government actions.
Real Property Tax vs Franchise Exemptions: RCPI Ruling for Telecom Firms
Supreme Court clarifies that "in lieu of all taxes" franchise clauses do not exempt telecom firms from real property tax on buildings and towers.
Probationary Employment: Just Cause and Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on terminating probationary employees—just cause and due process requirements explained.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Preliminary Investigation After Substantial Amendment: Due Process in Amended Criminal Charges
When can prosecutors amend criminal charges without a new preliminary investigation? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rule.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: What Landowners Must Know
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that homestead patents do not automatically exempt land from agrarian reform coverage under Philippine law.
Enforcing Justice Filing Fees AND Access TO Courts IN Foreign Judgment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on filing fees for enforcing foreign judgments, ensuring court access for human rights victims.
Upholding Priority Rights: The Lessee's Right of First Refusal in Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a lessee's right of first refusal, its enforceability against heirs, and remedies for breach.
Morality vs Constitutionality: Manila's Ermita-Malate Ordinance Struck Down
The Supreme Court nullified Manila Ordinance No. 7783 banning motels and similar establishments in Ermita-Malate, ruling it violated due process and property rights.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Protecting Accused Rights After Conviction
Supreme Court rules on double jeopardy when prosecution tries to amend information after conviction and probation application.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.
Docket Fees and Jurisdiction in Land Ownership Disputes: Key Lessons
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified docket fee payment, jurisdiction, and procedural rules in land ownership disputes.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Land Disputes: Homestead Rights vs. Agrarian Reform in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when homestead lands fall under agrarian reform, and why courts cannot simply eject tenant-farmers.
When Can a Former Government Lawyer Represent Private Clients? PCGG v. Sandiganbayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies Rule 6.03 on former government lawyers, defining "matter" and "intervention" in disqualification cases.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee who solicited P1 million for a favorable decision was dismissed. The Supreme Court reaffirms strict standards for court personnel.
When Substantial Justice Trumps Procedural Rigidity in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial justice prevails over procedural rules in labor cases, but only when rights are not prejudiced.
Self-Defense vs. Vengeance: Defining the Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when the defense of another justifies force, and when it becomes criminal vengeance under Philippine law.
Compulsory Counterclaims: No Certificate of Non-Forum Shopping Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that compulsory counterclaims need no certificate of non-forum shopping, as they are not initiatory pleadings.
Retrenchment Rigor: Proving Losses to Justify Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on F.F. Marine v. NLRC clarifies the strict evidentiary burden employers face when retrenching workers due to business losses.
Dismissal of Appeal for Late Appellant's Brief: Timely Filing Is Mandatory
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of an appeal for failure to file the appellant's brief on time, rejecting claims of excusable neglect.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Evaluation Required Before Dismissing Criminal Cases
Supreme Court holds judges liable for granting motions to dismiss without independent review, notice, and hearing.
Appeal Route Clarified: COSLAP Decisions Go to Court of Appeals, Not Directly to Supreme Court
Learn why COSLAP rulings on labor cases must be appealed to the CA first, based on a recent Supreme Court decision.