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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Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: The Time of Taking Matters
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in agrarian reform cases is valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Legal Redemption in the Philippines: Timely Action, Actual Notice, and the Power of Waiver
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies legal redemption rules: actual notice, 30-day period, and when failure to consign the price may be waived.
Understanding Employee Entitlements: The Right to 13th Month Pay for Commission-Based Workers in the Philippin
A clear guide to the 13th month pay rule for commission-based employees, citing the latest Supreme Court interpretation.
Understanding Loan Agreements and Foreclosure: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when banks may foreclose and how courts interpret loan agreements, credit lines, and restructuring contracts in the Philippines.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Injunctions in Property Disputes: A Guide for Property Owners and Lend
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, including the role of DAR formulas and the time of taking.
Mandamus as a Remedy Against Unlawful Exclusion: Lessons from Municipality of Payao v. Municipality of Imelda
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus—not quo warranto—is the proper remedy against unlawful exclusion from a right or office.
When Lawyers File Baseless Cases: Accountability and Integrity in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court suspended a lawyer for two years for filing a baseless Ombudsman complaint, underscoring the ethical duties of candor and fairness.
Torrens Titles, Inheritance Claims, and Ejectment: Key Lessons from Mariano v. Mariano
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how Torrens titles prevail over inheritance claims in ejectment cases, and why delays in challenging fraudulent partitions can be fatal.
Child Sexual Abuse Under RA 7610: Key Ruling on Section 5(b) vs. 10(a)
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual abuse of a child falls under Section 5(b) rather than 10(a) of RA 7610, affecting penalties and prosecution.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: When a Dismissed Case Cannot Be Refiled
Learn when a dismissed case can be refiled in the Philippines and how res judicata bars re-litigation, based on a Supreme Court ruling on failure to prosecute.
Duty to Account: Belated Compliance Does Not Erase Criminal Liability for Public Officers
The Supreme Court rules that a public officer's belated liquidation of cash advances does not erase criminal liability under Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code.
Employee Dismissal and Loss of Trust: Balancing Discipline with Fairness in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when loss of trust justifies dismissal in Philippine labor law and why the Supreme Court ruled a 17-year employee's termination too harsh.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Human Trafficking: Insights From a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Cas
The Supreme Court explains the elements of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons in a case involving a worker bound for Beijing.
Backwages for Premature Dismissal: When Execution Beats Finality
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a government employee dismissed before a decision becomes final can claim backwages despite not being fully exonerated.
Illegal Arrests and the Ombudsman's Role: What the Somira Drug Case Teaches
A 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarifies buy-bust arrests, chain of custody, and why the Ombudsman matters in drug cases.
Foreigners Can File for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines: The Ambrose Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign spouses may file for declaration of nullity of marriage in Philippine courts, applying lex loci celebrationis.
When Death Extinguishes Criminal Liability: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling explains how an accused's death before final judgment extinguishes criminal and civil liability ex delicto.
Resignation and Commission Rights: Insights From a Philippine Labor Case
A seafarer's resignation and quitclaim can bar disability claims. Learn the rules on valid waivers and company doctor assessments.
Understanding Penalties and Probation: Key Insights From a Landmark Social Security Fraud Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies penalties for SSS fraud, probation disqualification, and why courts cannot impose outdated sentences.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: The Supreme Court's Ruling on Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement plan contributions may be charged against the 70% tuition fee incremental proceeds under RA 6728.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Labor Cases: When Owners and Related Companies Can Be Held Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can pierce the corporate veil in labor disputes and hold owners and related firms solidarily liable for judgments.
Seafarer Disability Claims and Quitclaims: Lessons from the Idul Case
Understand how the Supreme Court resolved a seafarer's disability claim, the role of company-designated physicians, and why procedural rules matter.
Understanding Intent in Child Abuse Cases: The Role of Specific Intent in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires specific intent for child abuse convictions. Learn how courts determine criminal intent in these sensitive cases.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: A Guide to Ensuring Evidence Integrity
Learn how Philippine courts apply the chain of custody rule in drug cases, using People v. Somira as a guide.