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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Labor Secretarys Authority Reinstatement Orders AND THE Scope OF Labor Disputes
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.
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.
Duty to Inform Courts of Address Changes: Lessons from Garrucho v. Court of Appeals
When a party and counsel fail to notify courts of address changes, service is deemed complete—and appeals may be lost. Learn the rules.
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.
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.
Why Deadlines Matter in Appeals: The Rule on Inexcusable Neglect
A one-day late appeal cost a company its case. Learn the strict rule on reglementary periods and inexcusable neglect in Philippine appeals.
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.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Union Busting Unveiled: Illegal Business Closure and Employee Rights
When can a business closure be illegal union busting? The Supreme Court explains employer liability and worker rights.
Sheriff's Duty in Execution: Third-Party Claims and the Limits of Discretion
A sheriff who levies property must honor third-party claims and court orders staying execution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's discretion.
Judge Dismissed and Lawyer Suspended for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
Supreme Court dismisses a judge and suspends him from law practice for gross immorality arising from an extramarital affair and child born out of wedlock.
Judicial Inefficiency: A Judge's Duty to Resolve Pending Matters Promptly
The Supreme Court reminds judges that delay in resolving incidents violates the Constitution and the Code of Judicial Conduct.
Direct Power Connection vs. Franchise Rights: The BATELEC II Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld direct power supply from NPC to a BOI-registered steel firm after the local electric cooperative failed to meet technical and financial standards.
Judicial Accountability: Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions and Its Consequences
When judges fail to decide cases on time, justice is denied. Learn the rules, penalties, and lessons from a Supreme Court ruling.
Lis Pendens in Property Cases: When Courts May Cancel the Notice
A look at when courts may cancel a notice of lis pendens, using the Tongohan case to explain the limits of this protective remedy.
Upholding Barangay Amicable Settlements: Enforceability and Timeliness
The Supreme Court affirms that barangay amicable settlements have the force of final judgments, and explains why delayed execution petitions fail.
Infrastructure Projects vs Property Rights: When Can the Government Proceed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts cannot issue injunctions against government infrastructure projects, even amid property rights claims.
Supreme Court Dismisses Judge for Gross Immorality in Extramarital Affair Case
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: When a Resignation Letter Holds Up in Court
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a resignation is truly voluntary and not illegal dismissal, protecting employers who accept resignations in good faith.
Acquittal Based on Demurrer to Evidence: Limits and Exceptions in Philippine Law
When is an acquittal final? The Supreme Court explains the double jeopardy rule and its exception in People v. Sandiganbayan.