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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Supreme Court: Online Posts Can Prove Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262
Social media posts can establish psychological abuse under RA 9262, and using Facebook raises the penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Understanding Preventive Suspension in Philippine Administrative Law: Rights and Remedies
Learn the rules on preventive suspension in Philippine administrative law, including grounds, duration, and the rights of public officers facing investigation.
Navigating Unconscionable Interest Rates in Loan Agreements: A Guide for Borrowers
The Supreme Court affirms that courts may reduce unconscionable interest rates that violate the mutuality of contracts principle.
Exemption From Agrarian Reform: Land Reclassification and Its Impact on Property Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when land reclassified as non-agricultural before 1988 is exempt from CARP coverage, protecting property rights.
Deceptive Promises Convicting Illegal Recruiters AND Ensuring Restitution FOR Victims OF Estafa
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld convictions for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa, ensuring victims receive full restitution with interest.
Document Accuracy and Integrity in Property Transactions: Lessons from Ramiscal v. People
The Supreme Court reminds public officers that conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, not presumptions, in property transactions involving conflicting deeds.
Understanding Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Marriage Annulment: A Guide
A guide to psychological incapacity as a ground for marriage nullity in the Philippines, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in De Silva v. De Silva.
Possession Without Legal Documents Upholding The Forestry Code
The Supreme Court affirms that mere possession of timber without legal documents violates the Forestry Code, even without criminal intent.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: Understanding the Nuances in Philippine Law
When does self-defense apply in Philippine criminal law? The Supreme Court explains the fine line between justified killing and criminal liability.
When a Checklist is Not Enough: Supreme Court Reinstates PNP Officer in "Chopper Scam" Case
Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability requires proof of intent, not mere involvement in a flawed procurement process.
Public Office as Public Trust: Lessons from the Deputy Ombudsman Administrative Case
The Supreme Court's ruling against a former Deputy Ombudsman clarifies the administrative offenses of neglect, misconduct, and abuse of authority.
DOSRI Violations in Philippine Banking: Lessons from Apolinario v. People
The Supreme Court's ruling in Apolinario v. People clarifies DOSRI rules, insider lending limits, and director liability in Philippine banking.
BSP Independence Affirmed: Net Profit Calculations and Government Dividends
Supreme Court rules BSP not a GOCC under RA 7656; reserves allowed in computing dividends under its charter.
The 240-Day Rule Protecting Seafarers' Rights to Full Disability Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule for seafarers' disability claims, explaining when full permanent total disability benefits are due.
Reasonable Doubt in Illegal Possession of Explosives: Safeguarding Individual Liberties
The Supreme Court acquits a robbery suspect of illegal possession of explosives due to a broken chain of custody, underscoring the importance of procedural safeguards.
Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines: Employer Responsibilities and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a labor-only contractor, making the principal the real employer with full liability.
Grave Misconduct in PDAF Misuse: SC Affirms Dismissal of TRC Officer
The Supreme Court affirms the dismissal of a TRC officer for grave misconduct in the PDAF scam, stressing accountability for ministerial acts.
Understanding Unlawful Detainee Release: Insights From the Marzan Case
A jail officer who releases a detainee without a court order can face graft charges. The Supreme Court explains why in Marzan v. People.
Unappealed Judgment Bars Consequential Damages in Expropriation Case
Supreme Court clarifies that landowners who do not appeal a trial court's denial of consequential damages cannot obtain them on appeal.
Navigating Property Title Disputes Lessons From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
A disbarment case reveals key lessons on property titling, attorney's fees, and client-lawyer duties under Philippine law.
Land Reclassification and Tenant Redemption Rights Under Philippine Agrarian Reform
How the Supreme Court protected tenant farmers' right of redemption despite failure to tender payment, citing Section 12 of RA 3844.
Due Process in Local Tax Assessments: Lessons from the National Power Corporation Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that local governments must observe due process in tax assessments, as shown in the National Power Corporation case.
Determining Employer-Employee Relationship: The Indispensability of a Worker's Role in Business Operations
When does a worker become a regular employee? The Supreme Court clarifies the test under Article 295 of the Labor Code.
Burden of Proof in Labor Disputes: Employer's Duty to Prove Wage Payments
In FLB Construction v. Trinidad, the Supreme Court reaffirms that employers bear the burden of proving wage payments in labor disputes.