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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When Can NEA Administrators Suspend or Remove Electric Cooperative Officers
Supreme Court clarifies when NEA administrators may validly suspend or remove electric cooperative officers under PD 269.
Tenancy vs Ownership: When Claiming the Land Defeats Tenant Status
Supreme Court clarifies when a person cannot claim both tenancy and ownership over agricultural land, and which court has jurisdiction.
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 Public Duty and Private Conduct Collide: A Judge’s Venue Ruling Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms a judge’s dismissal of a case for improper venue, clarifying exclusive venue stipulations in loan contracts.
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.
Upholding Decorum: Judicial Employees' Duty to Maintain Respect and Civility in the Workplace
Court employees must maintain civility and respect at all times. Gross discourtesy warrants suspension under Civil Service rules.
Unconscionable Greed: Attorney's Fees Must Be Reasonable and Just
Philippine Supreme Court nullifies P50M attorney's fee claim, ruling lawyers' compensation must be reasonable, not driven by greed.
Accountability in Public Works: Good Faith and Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
Supreme Court acquits three DPWH officials charged with falsifying road project completion reports, stressing good faith and lack of personal participation.
Corporate Authority and Debt: When a Corporation Is Not Liable for Its President’s Loan
A corporation is not liable for a president’s personal loan unless authorized or ratified. Learn the rules from a 2006 Supreme Court case.
Work Relatedness and Death Benefits: Proving Causal Links in Compensation Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when illnesses like breast cancer qualify for death benefits under PD 626, requiring proof of work-related risk.
Premature Partition: Estate Settlement Before Property Distribution
When heirs can and cannot demand partition of a decedent's property before estate settlement proceedings are completed.
Tax Refund vs Deficiency: The Rules on Set-Off in Philippine Tax Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tax refunds can be set off against tax deficiencies, and the limits of compromise agreements in tax settlements.
When Can Cases Be Reassigned? Understanding Judicial Inhibition and Venue Transfer
The Supreme Court clarifies when cases may be transferred to another judge after inhibition, and why venue transfer is not automatic.
Safeguarding Attorney Integrity: The Imperative of Clear Evidence in Disbarment Cases
Disbarment requires clear, convincing evidence. This article explains the standard of proof and due process in lawyer discipline cases.
GSIS v. Villamayor: When Illness Is Not Work-Related, No Death Benefits
Supreme Court denies GSIS death benefits for breast cancer death, ruling claimants must prove work connection, not just illness.
Untangling Appeal Deadlines: Why Missing a Memorandum Matters
A missed appeal deadline due to lawyer negligence can be fatal. Learn the rules on relief from judgment in Philippine civil procedure.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and Child Warrant Removal from the Bench
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after he admitted to an extramarital affair and fathering a child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Judicial Reconstitution of Lost Titles and the Limits of the Bercede Guidelines
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may rely on "other documents" to reconstitute lost titles, and how the Bercede guidelines apply.
Suspended Sentences for Juvenile Offenders: Limits and Implications in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a juvenile offender cannot get a suspended sentence, even under RA 9344.
Upholding Arbitral Jurisdiction: The Supreme Court's Stance on Construction Disputes and Judicial Injunctions
The Supreme Court clarifies that CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction disputes, and courts must defer to arbitration proceedings.
Attorney-Client Privilege vs Disclosure Mandates in Marcos-Era Asset Recovery
Supreme Court clarifies when attorney-client privilege yields to disclosure mandates in recovering Marcos-era ill-gotten wealth.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
Court Division Jurisdiction Over Execution of Final Labor Decisions
Supreme Court nullifies CA ruling on labor award computation, holding only the division that decided the case may resolve execution disputes.
Official Duty vs Criminal Liability: Defining Boundaries in Government Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when public officials face criminal liability for anomalous government transactions despite claims of mere ministerial duty.