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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Morality vs Misconduct: Defining the Boundaries of Public Service Decorum
The Supreme Court clarifies when private immorality becomes administrative misconduct, and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Forcible Entry and Prior Possession: What Must Be Proven in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases by examining prior physical possession, evidence rules, and the limits of ownership claims.
MIAA vs Parañaque: When Local Governments Cannot Tax National Assets
The Supreme Court ruled that MIAA's airport lands are exempt from local real estate tax because MIAA is a government instrumentality, not a GOCC.
Family Home Protection Consent Requirements IN Real Estate Mortgages Involving Married Couples
Child Custody AND Habeas Corpus Protecting Minors IN Parental Disputes
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Perfecting Land Titles in the Philippines: Proving Continuous Possession Since 1945
How Republic v. Jacob explains the strict proof needed to confirm an imperfect land title over public domain, and why possession since 1945 must be real.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Bouncing Checks Liability Without the Original Check: Key Lessons from Arceo v. People
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a person can be held liable under BP 22 even if the original check is lost or missing.
When Can Philippine Employers Dismiss Striking Workers? Illegal Strikes Explained
Philippine law allows employers to dismiss workers who join illegal strikes or commit illegal acts during strikes. Learn the rules.
Private Complainants May File Certiorari in Criminal Cases: Rodriguez v. Gadiane
When can a private complainant in a criminal case file certiorari without the prosecutor's conformity? The Supreme Court explains in Rodriguez v. Gadiane.
When Can a Judge Be Held Administratively Liable? Lessons from Roxas v. Judge Eugenio
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges are not administratively liable for every erroneous ruling, only for errors made with malice or bad faith.
Premature Proclamation Annulment Upheld IN Election Dispute
Dismissal for Dishonesty, Habitual Absences and Immoral Conduct in Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling reminds public servants that dishonesty, habitual absenteeism and immoral conduct are separate grounds for dismissal from government service.
Illegal Dismissal and Loss of Trust: Rules Employers Must Follow in the Philippines
Understand when dismissal for loss of trust is valid in the Philippines, and why the Supreme Court ordered reinstatement in C.F. Sharp v. Zialcita.
Upholding Employee Rights THE Limits OF Loss OF Confidence AS Grounds FOR Dismissal
Extinguishment of Debt by Overpayment and Nullification of Extrajudicial Foreclosure
When overpayment extinguishes a mortgage debt, a foreclosure based on alleged default has no legal basis and may be voided.
Mortgage on Unregistered Land in the Philippines: Risks and Due Diligence for Banks and Borrowers
Learn the risks of mortgaging unregistered land in the Philippines and the due diligence banks and borrowers must perform before foreclosure.
Ensuring Fair Trials: Addressing Allegations of Bias and Partiality in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against a judge for alleged bias, clarifying when a judge's adverse rulings amount to partiality and when they do not.
Second Chances in Law: Lifting Suspension and Releasing Leave Credits After Misconduct
The Supreme Court lifts a dismissed lawyer's suspension and orders release of leave credits, but keeps the ban on government re-employment.
Condominium Assessments: Lien Enforcement and Priority in the Philippines
Learn how condominium assessment liens work in the Philippines, including registration requirements, priority rules, and enforcement limits under the Condominium Act.
Dismissal of Appeals: Why Following Court Rules Matters
Learn why the Supreme Court dismissed a petition for review from the Secretary of Justice's resolution, and the importance of following proper court procedures.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: When Can You Skip the Bureaucracy and Go to Court
Philippine Supreme Court explains the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies and its exceptions, using a GSIS dismissal case as an example.
Preventive Suspension of Public Officials: When Does It Apply
The Supreme Court explains when courts must order preventive suspension of public officials under the Anti-Graft law, and its limits.