Legal Insights

Adverse Claims in Philippine Property Law: Validity, Effectivity, and Third-Party Rights

The Supreme Court clarifies when an adverse claim remains effective under Section 70 of PD 1529 and its effect on subsequent levies.

Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Can the Government Prosecute?

Philippine Supreme Court explains when the government can file tax evasion charges and when a final tax assessment must come first.

Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations Doing Business in the Philippines

Philippine courts can assert jurisdiction over foreign corporations doing business locally, even for a single transaction, under Rule 14, Section 14.

Habitual Absences vs Security of Tenure: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Dismissal Case

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual absences justify dismissal, balancing employee security of tenure against employer prerogatives in shipping.

Compromise Agreements: When Do They Bind All Parties in a Labor Dispute?

A compromise agreement binds only its signatories. Learn how the Supreme Court protected non-signatory workers in El Toro Security Agency v. NLRC.

Speedy Trial Rights, Dismissals, and Double Jeopardy in Philippine Law

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when dismissal for failure to prosecute violates due process and when double jeopardy protects the accused.

State Witness vs Prosecution Witness: Key Differences in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court clarifies the legal distinction between a state witness and a prosecution witness in criminal cases.

Reelection Does Not Condon Prior Misconduct When Removal Is Already Final

Removal becomes final despite refusal to accept service; reelection cannot cure disqualification under Section 40(b) of the Local Government Code.

Bail in the Philippines: When Is a Hearing Required in Capital Offenses

Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that bail in capital offenses requires a hearing, even if the prosecution recommends bail.

Public Bidding in Government Contracts: The NFA Security Services Case

The Supreme Court nullified NFA's negotiated security contracts, reaffirming that public bidding is the rule in government procurement, not the exception.

Proof Beyond Reasonable Doubt: The Imperative of Voluntariness in Rape Cases

In People v. Subido, the Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused, emphasizing that the prosecution must prove force and lack of voluntariness beyond reasonable doubt.

Project Employee vs Regular Employee: What the Supreme Court Says

Learn how Philippine courts distinguish project employees from regular employees, and what the Samson ruling means for workers' security of tenure.

Intra-Corporate Disputes: When Illegal Dismissal Claims Fall Under SEC Jurisdiction

Learn when a corporate officer's removal is an intra-corporate dispute under SEC jurisdiction, not an illegal dismissal case for the NLRC.

Jurisdiction in Public Sector Compensation Disputes: DBM vs CSC-MSPB

Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on which agency has jurisdiction over position classification and compensation disputes in government service.

Sick Leave and Security of Tenure: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Illegal Dismissal Case

The Supreme Court ruled that a janitor's dismissal for absences due to illness was illegal, affirming security of tenure protections for all employees.

Probationary Employees, Security of Tenure, and Illegal Dismissal: The Anderson Case

The Supreme Court clarifies that vague claims of "loss of confidence" cannot justify dismissing a probationary employee without just cause.

Conflict of Interest Under RA 3019: The Domingo Case on Public Office Integrity

A mayor's conviction for conflict of interest under RA 3019 Section 3(h) shows why public officials must avoid even the appearance of impropriety.