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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Serving at the Board's Pleasure: Security of Tenure for Water District General Managers in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether water district general managers serve at the board's pleasure or enjoy security of tenure.
When Prosecutors Must Be Compelled: Grave Abuse of Discretion in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may compel prosecutors to include accused persons in an Information, explaining the limits of prosecutorial discretion.
Prosecutorial Discretion and Grave Abuse: When Courts Can Compel Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may override a prosecutor's dismissal of charges and compel the inclusion of accused persons in an Information.
Privatization of Power: When Government Policy Meets Employee Security
Explore the Supreme Court ruling on NPC privatization, employee security of tenure, and the doctrine of mootness in administrative law.
Authority to Prosecute: The Necessity of Proper Authorization in Filing Criminal Informations
A state prosecutor without proper written authority cannot validly file criminal charges. Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Turingan v. Garfin.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When repeated rehiring for vague "projects" turns project employees into regular workers entitled to security of tenure.
Conspiracy and Corruption: Private Actors Under the Anti-Graft Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with violating Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when they conspire with public officers.
Private Parties and Conspiracy Under Section 3(g) of RA 3019 Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals may be charged with Section 3(g) of the Anti-Graft Law when conspiring with public officers.
Malicious Prosecution: The High Bar for Damages in the Philippines
Learn when filing a baseless criminal case can lead to damages for malicious prosecution in the Philippines, and the strict legal standards courts apply.
Buy-Bust Conviction Affirmed: Court Upholds Life Sentence for Shabu Sale
Supreme Court affirms life imprisonment for two women caught selling shabu in a buy-bust operation, ruling prosecution proved guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Valid Service of Court Orders: When a Security Guard's Receipt Counts in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of court orders on a security guard counts as valid receipt, affecting deadlines for appeals.
Substantial Compliance Protecting Workers in Corporate Restructuring
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance in corporate restructuring and its impact on worker protections and employment security.
Forum Shopping and Res Judicata: When Filing a Second Civil Case Backfires
The Supreme Court explains how filing a second case over the same vessel violated the rule against forum shopping and triggered res judicata.
Retirement Plans and Security of Tenure: Voluntary vs Compulsory Retirement in the Philippines
When does a retirement plan violate security of tenure? The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
When Can Courts Compel the Ombudsman to Prosecute? Mandamus Limits Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus cannot compel the Ombudsman to file criminal charges, as prosecutorial discretion remains with that office.
Land Title Registration in the Philippines: Acquiring Ownership Through Prescription
Learn how to acquire land title in the Philippines through prescription under Section 14(2) of PD 1529, explained through a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Voluntary Agreement IS KEY Understanding Valid Arbitration IN Philippine Barangay Dispute Resolution
Learn how the Supreme Court treats compromise agreements as binding law, and how filing a second case can constitute forum shopping.
Can Agency Guidelines Limit Court Injunctions? SEC Authority in Philippine Law
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on whether SEC guidelines could shorten the life of preliminary injunctions in intra-corporate disputes.
Prolonged Suspension Equals Constructive Dismissal: Security Guard Rights Under Philippine Labor Law
When a security guard's preventive suspension lasts beyond 30 days without pay, it becomes constructive dismissal entitling the worker to reinstatement and backwages.
Double Sale in the Philippines: How Good Faith and Prior Knowledge Decide Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on double sale: a second buyer who registers first but knows of the first sale acts in bad faith and loses.
When an Accused Is Arraigned: DOJ Review of Prosecutor’s Ruling Barred
Philippine Supreme Court rules on DOJ Circular No. 70: arraignment bars the Secretary of Justice from reviewing a prosecutor’s resolution.
Employer-Employee Relationship for Foreign Nationals: The Pacific Consultants Case
Learn how Philippine courts determine employer-employee relationships for foreign nationals seconded to local subsidiaries, based on the Pacific Consultants ruling.
Fixed-Term Employment and Security of Tenure: When Contracts Expire Without Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court explains when fixed-term employment is valid and why expiration of a contract is not illegal dismissal.
Equitable Mortgage in Philippine Law: When a Sale Is Not Really a Sale
Learn how Philippine courts treat contracts that appear as sales but are actually loans secured by property, and what equitable mortgage means for property owners.