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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Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Safeguarding Judicial Integrity Baseless Complaints AND THE Duty TO Protect Judges
Diminution of Benefits vs CBA in Separation Pay Disputes: NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas
When a company policy grants higher separation pay than the CBA, which prevails? The Supreme Court explains in NFL v. Sime Darby Pilipinas.
Jurisdiction Over Labor Disputes When a Pending Case Shifts With the Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains how jurisdictional changes in labor law apply to pending cases, using UST v. Canicosa as the guide.
Breach OF Contract Rescission Unavailable IN Corporate Disputes Involving Trust Fund Doctrine
Breach of Good Faith: Bank Liability in Check Disputes Under Article 19
When can a bank be liable for refusing to pay checks? The Supreme Court explains the abuse of rights principle under Article 19.
Procedural Technicalities vs Substantial Justice: Court Rules in Demolition Cases
How a judge's failure to meet the 90-day decision period in demolition cases led to administrative liability and a fine.
Voting Rights and Corporate Governance: Reaffirming Stockholder Rights in Philippine Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Class B shareholders' voting rights under the Corporation Code, clarifying limits on share classification.
Recovering Ill-Gotten Wealth: The State's Right to Sue Public Officials' Heirs
The Supreme Court affirms the State's right to recover ill-gotten wealth from the heirs of public officials, free from prescription, laches, or estoppel.
Private Land VS Public Domain Protecting Ownership Rights Against Fraudulent Titles
Certiorari Limitations: Abuse of Discretion vs. Errors of Judgment in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when certiorari may correct grave abuse of discretion, distinguishing it from mere errors of judgment in property cases.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Consequences for Delay in Rendering Decisions and Issuing Summons
The Supreme Court fined a judge for gross inefficiency, underscoring the 90-day decision rule and the duty to request extensions.
Defining Real Estate Jurisdiction When IS A Sale A Subdivision Under Hlurb Authority
Judges' Duty to Prevent Case Delays: Lessons from OCA v. Judge Español
The Supreme Court reminds judges that failing to decide cases within 90 days—or to request an extension—is gross inefficiency.
The Limits of Judicial Relief: Why a Court Can't Grant What You Didn't Ask For
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who fail to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.
Upholding Decorum and Ethical Conduct in the Judiciary: Fines for Misconduct and Inefficiency
The Supreme Court consolidates three administrative cases, fining a judge and court personnel for misconduct, inefficiency, and violations of judicial rules.
Speedy Trial Rights: How Delays Impact Anti-Graft Cases in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts balance delays in anti-graft cases against the constitutional right to speedy disposition, using the Mendoza-Ong ruling as a guide.
Notarizing Documents: The Attorney's Duty to Verify Identity and Authenticity
A lawyer who notarized complaints for dead persons was suspended. Learn the notary's duty to verify identity and ensure authenticity.
When Judges Face Misconduct Complaints: Proof and Impartiality Standards
Explaining the Supreme Court's dismissal of administrative complaints against a judge and clerk of court for lack of substantial evidence.
Judicial Responsibility and Mitigating Circumstances in Delayed Case Transmittal
Explains when heavy caseload and isolated oversight can mitigate a judge's liability for delayed transmittal of appeal records.
Default Orders and Due Process: The SSS Case on Lifting Defaults
A default order isn't automatically lifted by invoking due process. Learn the strict requirements for setting it aside.
Eminent Domain and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in Expropriation Cases
The Supreme Court nullified Cebu City's expropriation ordinance, reaffirming that due process and strict legal compliance limit local governments' power of eminent domain.
Implied Trust and Reconveyance: When a Lawyer Holds Property for a Brother's Heirs
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer holds property in implied trust for family, and why laches did not bar the claim.