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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Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
Environmental Law Protecting Watersheds and Enforcing Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on watershed protection, local government authority, and the permanent closure of the San Mateo landfill.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Contractual Obligations: When Agreed Interest Rates in Land Sales Are Upheld
The Supreme Court upheld a 24% annual interest rate in an installment land sale, ruling that parties are bound by their contract absent any legal prohibition.
Employee Misconduct and Loss of Trust: When Off-Duty Actions Justify Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can off-duty conduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court explains serious misconduct and loss of trust in Lopez v. NLRC.
Defamation vs. Press Freedom: Balancing Rights in Philippine Law
Philippine Journalists v. Thoenen clarifies when media cannot claim privilege for defamatory reports about private individuals.
Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Penalty for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows judges must decide cases within 90 days or face administrative sanctions, as illustrated by a 2005 case.
Regular Employment vs Redundancy: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand when probationary employees become regular, what proves valid redundancy, and how the Supreme Court safeguards security of tenure.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Employee Dismissed for Conflict of Interest in Unauthorized Work
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Maynilad employee who did unauthorized paid repair work for a customer, ruling it was serious misconduct and conflict of interest.
Filing a Motion to Reduce Appeal Bond Does Not Stop the Appeal Period
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an employer's motion to reduce an NLRC appeal bond does not suspend the 10-day appeal period.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Administrative Reconstitution Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court explains when a spurious Torrens title may be cancelled in administrative reconstitution proceedings without a separate court action.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
Tenant's Right of Redemption Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: Key Lessons from Planters Development Bank v. G
Understand the tenant's right of redemption under Philippine agrarian law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Planters Development Bank v. Garcia.
Delegation of Authority in Tax Assessments: When a Subordinate's Demand Letter Becomes Final
Learn when a demand letter from a BIR subordinate officer counts as the Commissioner's final decision on a protested tax assessment, and why timing matters.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Efficiency and the Right to Speedy Justice in the Philippines
The Magna Financial Services v. Colarina case clarifies the limits of Article 1484 remedies and the importance of timely judicial action.
Tenant Rights in the Philippines: Proving Agricultural Tenancy and Its Implications
Learn how Philippine courts determine agricultural tenancy, tenant rights to redemption, and what a Certificate of Land Transfer means for landowners and lessees.
Zero Tolerance FOR Dishonesty Falsification OF Documents Leads TO Dismissal IN Public Service
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Sheriffs Overstep in Executing Judgments
A sheriff cannot pierce the corporate veil or levy corporate assets for a stockholder's personal debt. This ruling explains the limits.
Buyer Beware: The Limits of Good Faith in Land Purchases When Red Flags Appear
When buying registered land, good faith has limits. Learn when red flags defeat a buyer's claim of innocence in Philippine property law.
Probationary Employment in Academia: Ateneo's Right to Set Standards for Faculty Retention
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that universities may set their own standards for probationary faculty retention, and how the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools applies.
Mandatory Suspension for Graft Charges: What Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan Teaches Philippine Public Officers
Charged with graft? Philippine law requires suspension from office while trial is pending. Bedruz v. Sandiganbayan explains when and how that suspension applies.