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.
Successor Liability: BI Case Dismissed for Lack of Substitution of Public Officer
Learn when a case against a public officer must be dismissed for failure to substitute a successor under Rule 3, Section 17.
Security of Tenure: Defining Agricultural Tenancy in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies what makes a person an agricultural lessee entitled to security of tenure under Philippine agrarian laws.
When a Lease of Coconut Trees Becomes an Agricultural Leasehold: Granada v. Bormaheco
The Supreme Court explains when a contract labeled as a lease of coconut trees may actually create an agricultural leasehold with security of tenure.
Prescription IN Anti Graft Cases THE States Right TO Recover ILL Gotten Wealth VS Timely Prosecution
Ombudsman's Discretion to Prosecute Public Officials: Galario v. Ombudsman
When can the Ombudsman charge a different offense than what was complained of? The Supreme Court explains in Galario v. Ombudsman.
Exclusive Franchises and Constitutional Limits: Water District Authority in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled Section 47 of PD 198 unconstitutional, striking down exclusive water district franchises as contrary to the Constitution.
Corporate Liquidation Claims: When an Investor Becomes an Ordinary Creditor
An investor whose shares were sold without consent by a corporate liquidator becomes an ordinary creditor, not preferred, in SEC liquidation proceedings.
When a Gun Ban Charge Does Not Bar Illegal Possession of Firearms: Celino v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a COMELEC gun ban charge prevents prosecution for illegal possession of firearms under R.A. 8294.
Abolition of Public Office: Balancing Government Reorganization and Security of Tenure
The Supreme Court explains when abolishing a government office is valid and how it differs from removal, protecting security of tenure.
Res Judicata and Anti-Graft Cases: When Prior Dismissals Bar Prosecution
The Supreme Court ruled that a final dismissal of a behest-loan complaint bars a later anti-graft prosecution over the same transaction, even against officials not named in the first case.
Continuing SEC Jurisdiction Resolving Corporate Liquidation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies SEC retains jurisdiction over pending corporate suspension and liquidation cases filed before June 30, 2000.
Illegal Strike Penalties: Union Officers' Dismissal Upheld in PILTEA Case
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of union officers who staged illegal strike despite Labor Secretary's assumption order and procedural violations.
When Strikes Defy Orders: Consequences for Union Officers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal strikes, union officer liability, and penalties for defying labor secretary orders.
Regular vs. Project Employees: Security of Tenure in Service Contracting
The Supreme Court clarifies when workers in service contracting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not mere project hires.
Land Registration: Proving Possession Since June 12, 1945 for Imperfect Titles
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the June 12, 1945 possession requirement for land registration under Section 14 of PD 1529.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Authority TO File When CAN A State Prosecutor ACT Without City Prosecutor Approval
Three-Term Limit: Contested Elections Don't Break Consecutive Service
Philippine Supreme Court rules that serving a full term despite a voided proclamation still counts toward the three-term limit for local officials.
Right to Information vs Electoral Confidentiality: Unveiling Party-List Nominees
Supreme Court rules Comelec must disclose party-list nominees' names, balancing right to information against Section 7 confidentiality limits.
When a Lawyer's Second Marriage Becomes a Professional Misconduct Case
A municipal legal officer faces suspension for contracting a second marriage while his first remained valid, highlighting lawyers' duty to know the law.
Upholding Ethical Standards: One-Year Suspension for Lawyer's Bigamous Marriage
A municipal legal officer's second marriage while his first subsists violates lawyer ethics. The Supreme Court explains why.
Lawyer Suspended for Contracting Second Marriage While First Was Subsisting
A lawyer's second marriage while his first remained valid led to a one-year suspension, underscoring lawyers' duty to know the law.
Service of Summons on Corporations: When Courts Acquire Jurisdiction
Learn when Philippine courts acquire jurisdiction over a corporation—valid service of summons or voluntary appearance—from Orion Security v. Kalfam.