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.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Reinstatement of Union Members: Scope of Labor Secretary's Order in Illegal Strike Cases
Supreme Court clarifies which union members are reinstated under a Labor Secretary's assumption-of-jurisdiction order in illegal strike cases.
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
Legislative Inquiry vs Executive Privilege: The PCGG Testimony Case
The Supreme Court ruled PCGG officials must testify before Senate inquiries, striking down Section 4(b) of E.O. No. 1 as unconstitutional.
Upholding Employee Rights: Just Cause and Union Security in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on closed-shop dismissals: substantive due process still applies even when a CBA mandates termination.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Regular vs Project Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Broadcasting
The Supreme Court clarifies when production assistants in broadcasting are regular employees entitled to security of tenure and CBA benefits.
The Ombudsman's Control Over Special Prosecutors: Limits on Prosecutorial Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Ombudsman's authority over special prosecutors and the limits of prosecutorial discretion in criminal cases.
Fixed-Term Government Officials: Security of Tenure and Dismissal Rules
Fixed-term officials like the KWF chair enjoy security of tenure. Dismissal requires just cause and due process, as the Supreme Court clarified.
Equitable Mortgage Intent Prevails Over Form in Property Transactions
In Romulo v. Layug, the Supreme Court ruled that a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage when the parties intended it to secure a debt.
Ombudsman Discretion in Preliminary Investigations: Limits of Judicial Review in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the scope of judicial review over prosecutorial findings in preliminary investigations, emphasizing the standard of grave abuse of discretion.
Res Judicata Bars Re-Litigating Security of Tenure in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how final judgments bar re-litigation of security of tenure claims in agrarian disputes.
Seasonal Work vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When are "seasonal" workers considered regular employees? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and its impact on security of tenure.
Duty to Prosecute: Dismissal for Failure to Actively Pursue a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a case may be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what counts as justifiable cause.
B.P. 22 Conviction Requires Proper Presentation of Notice of Dishonor: The Tan Case
A B.P. 22 conviction requires the prosecution to properly present the notice of dishonor in court; failure to do so negates the presumption of knowledge of insufficient funds.
Speedy Trial Rights Dismissal OF Criminal Charges DUE TO Prosecutorial Delay
Explore how prosecutorial delay impacts speedy trial rights and when criminal charges may be dismissed in the Philippines.
Bigamy and Expired Notarial Commission: When a Lawyer’s Private Life Triggers Discipline
A lawyer’s bigamous second marriage and notarizing without a commission led to a four-year suspension. Here’s what the Court ruled.
When Courts Won't Overrule Prosecutors on Probable Cause: GlaxoSmithKline v. Malik
Philippine Supreme Court explains why courts defer to prosecutors on probable cause, using a dismissed drug case as an example.
Probable Cause VS Parallel Importation Navigating Prosecutorial Discretion IN Pharmaceutical Cases
SEC Retains Power to Execute Decisions in Pending Intra-Corporate Cases
Supreme Court rules the SEC may enforce its final decisions in intra-corporate cases retained under Section 5.2 of the Securities Regulation Code.
When Self-Defense Fails: Justifying Force in Lawful Duty Requires Reasonable Response
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense and performance of official duty justify killing, and why both failed for PNR security officers.