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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Tenant's Right of Redemption: Protecting Farmers When Land Is Sold Without Notice
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agricultural lessees' right to redeem land sold without notice under RA 3844.
Labor Unions and Taxpayer Standing in Constitutional Challenges: The AIWA Case
The Supreme Court dismissed labor unions' challenge to E.O. 185 for lack of standing, clarifying the rules on locus standi and judicial review.
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.
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.
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.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: Validity and Employee Obligations
When a compromise settles a labor case, it binds the parties. Learn the rules on reinstatement, transfers, and insubordination.
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.
Breach of Trust Dismissal for Theft Within the Supreme Court: Etcuban v. Sulpicio Lines
When can an employer dismiss a fiduciary employee for loss of trust and confidence? The Supreme Court explains in Etcuban v. Sulpicio Lines.
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.
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.
Forum Shopping Dismissal: Redundant Suits to Prevent Conflicting Judgments
The Supreme Court explains when filing two derivative suits for the same underlying dispute constitutes forbidden forum shopping, leading to dismissal.
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.
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.
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.
B.P. 22 Liability: Severing Accommodation Deals Does Not Erase Knowledge of Insufficient Funds
Signing blank checks for an accommodation arrangement can create B.P. 22 liability even after severing ties. Learn the rules from Benjamin Lee v. CA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Strikes and Union Officer Liability: Navigating Labor Law Compliance in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court treats illegal strikes, union officer liability, and procedural rules in labor disputes.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Courts: When Settlements End Litigation
Philippine Supreme Court explains when compromise agreements are valid and binding, ending protracted litigation between parties.
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.