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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Tenant's Right to Redeem Land Under LBP Financing and Agrarian Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies that tenant-farmers may redeem land without upfront cash payment when LBP finances the redemption under agrarian law.
Navigating THE Chain Upholding Drug Convictions Through Strict Custody Protocols
Reconveyance of Property Under Implied Trust and the 10-Year Prescription Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when the prescriptive period runs for reconveyance based on implied trust and the effect of default orders.
Redundancy Dismissal Employers Must Prove Necessity NOT Just Inefficiency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies redundancy dismissal rules: employers must prove good faith and actual redundancy, not mere inefficiency.
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 Foreclosure: Banks Must Personally Notify Mortgagors
The Supreme Court now requires banks to personally notify mortgagors before extrajudicial foreclosure, reversing decades of precedent under Act No. 3135.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Law: Understanding Marriage Nullity After Tan-Andal
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity as a legal concept in Halog v. Halog, easing proof requirements for marriage nullity under Article 36.
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.
Pre-Incorporation Contracts and Personal Liability: Lessons from Hao v. Galang
When does a corporate officer become personally liable for pre-incorporation contracts? The Supreme Court clarifies agency rules in Hao v. Galang.
When Judges Face Accountability: The Pajaron Contempt Case Explained
The Supreme Court held a retired judge liable for gross inefficiency and dishonesty over 66 undecided cases, imposing a fine deductible from retirement benefits.
Seafarers Rights Work Related Illness AND THE Burden OF Proof IN Disability Claims
SC ruling on OFW illness, repatriation, and employer burden of proof in disability and termination cases.
Understanding Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Key Insights From a Landmark Case
Learn how Philippine courts handle judicial reconstitution of lost or destroyed Torrens titles, with insights from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
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.
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.
DNA Evidence and Presumption of Legitimacy: Filiation Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled DNA evidence can establish filiation despite the presumption of legitimacy, prioritizing the child's best interests.
Psychological Incapacity as Annulment Ground in the Philippines After Tan-Andal
Understand psychological incapacity as an annulment ground under Article 36, Family Code, as clarified by Tan-Andal and applied in Halog v. Halog.
Can Heirs Challenge a Sale of Conjugal Property Made Without Spousal Consent?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a sale of conjugal property without spousal consent is voidable, and who may challenge it.
Spousal Consent and Conjugal Property: When a Sale Without Permission Is Void
Learn when a spouse can sell conjugal property without consent in the Philippines, and why such sales are void under the Family Code.
Robbery vs. Direct Bribery: What the Remolano Case Teaches About Due Process
The Supreme Court's Remolano ruling clarifies when extortion is robbery or bribery—and why accurate criminal charges are essential to due process.
Defective Vehicle Refund and Manufacturer Liability Under the Consumer Act
Supreme Court ruling clarifies consumer refund rights for defective vehicles and manufacturer liability under RA 7394, with administrative fines reinstated.
PCSO Benefits Disallowed: Upholding Fiscal Responsibility in Government-Owned Corporations
The Supreme Court affirms COA's disallowance of unauthorized benefits paid to LBP subsidiary board members, clarifying rules on double compensation and corporate governance.
Truth and Consequences: False Affidavit Leads to Court Clerk's Suspension
A lawyer who forged a colleague's signature and misrepresented himself in court faces a two-year suspension from practice.
Supreme Court Upholds Mandatory SOCE Filing Deadline, Balances Rule of Law with Equity
The Supreme Court ruled COMELEC gravely abused discretion in extending the SOCE filing deadline, but applied the operative fact doctrine.
Gross Immorality and Disbarment: When a Lawyer's Personal Conduct Crosses the Line
When does a lawyer's private relationship become gross immorality warranting disbarment? The Supreme Court explains in Hosoya v. Contado.