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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Seafarer's Basketball Injury Compensable Under Bunkhouse Rule
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board vessel is work-related and compensable under the Bunkhouse Rule.
When the Ombudsman Cannot Appeal a Reversed Administrative Decision
The Supreme Court rules on the Ombudsman's lack of legal standing to appeal when its administrative decision is reversed on appeal.
Upholding Decorum: Disrespectful Conduct by Court Personnel and Its Consequences
The Supreme Court rules on discourtesy by court personnel, emphasizing that respect and propriety are non-negotiable in the judiciary.
Bank Not Liable for Branch Manager's Unauthorized Guarantee: UCPB v. Planters Products
Supreme Court rules banks are not bound by branch managers' unauthorized guarantees, protecting banks from liability in connivance schemes.
CBA Interpretation Voluntary Arbitration Prevails In Seafarer Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules voluntary arbitrators, not labor arbiters, hear CBA interpretation disputes involving seafarer death benefits.
Escheat Proceedings: Banks Must Notify Depositors Before Dormant Funds Are Transferred to the State
Philippine Supreme Court rules on banks' duty to notify depositors before dormant funds are escheated to the state, protecting depositor rights.
NEA Supervisory Power Prevails in Resolving Electric Cooperative Disputes
Supreme Court rules NEA has primary jurisdiction over electric cooperative board disputes, not regular courts.
Excise Tax on Petroleum: Who Bears the Burden When International Carriers Are Involved
The Supreme Court rules oil companies cannot claim refunds for excise taxes on petroleum sold to international carriers—the exemption belongs to the buyers, not sellers.
Revival of Proceedings Ensuring Fair Trial Rights Despite Procedural Technicalities
Supreme Court rules courts must relax procedural rules in contempt cases to protect due process and fair hearing rights.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction After 31 Years of Service
Supreme Court rules repeated rehiring in construction projects can convert project employment into regular employment with security of tenure.
PDIC Insurance: Defining Deposit and Protecting the Depositing Public
Supreme Court rules inter-branch fund transfers are not insurable deposits under the PDIC Charter, clarifying deposit insurance scope.
Nogales v. People: When Obscene Files in Computers Are Forfeited Even Without Conviction
Supreme Court rules hard disks containing obscene materials are forfeited and destroyed under P.D. 969 even if criminal case is dismissed.
Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Documentary Stamp Tax on Passbook Savings Accounts
The Supreme Court rules that passbook savings accounts with higher interest rates are certificates of deposit subject to documentary stamp tax.
When Company Rules Clash With Labor Rights Reinstatement Despite Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court rules on reinstatement without backwages when both employer and workers are at fault in labor dispute.
Philippine Sheriff Accountability Upholding Timely Writ Execution AND Proper Fund Handling
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's grave misconduct for delayed writ return and mishandling of execution proceeds in Sorsogon case.
Lease Assignment Without Lessor Consent: Supreme Court Upholds Rescission
Philippine Supreme Court rules on lease assignment without lessor consent, applying Article 1649 and Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Philippine Savings Bank v. Castillo: Mutuality of Contracts and Unilateral Loan Interest Adjustments
Philippine Supreme Court rules that banks cannot unilaterally increase loan interest rates without borrower consent, citing the principle of mutuality of contracts.
Void Government Contracts THE Necessity OF Fund Certification
The Supreme Court rules on void government contracts and the indispensable requirement of fund certification for their validity.
Insurer's Subrogation Right Upheld Even Without Insurance Policy in Evidence
Supreme Court rules an insurer may recover as subrogee without presenting the insurance policy, as long as the loss and payment are established.
CBA Interpretation: Anniversary Increases Cannot Offset Contractual Wage Hikes
Supreme Court rules on CBA interpretation—anniversary raises cannot offset contractual wage increases, and management prerogative yields to CBA terms.
Can a Bank Foreclose the Entire Loan on a Partial Mortgage? Philippine Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court rules on whether a bank may foreclose a real estate mortgage for the full loan amount when only part of it was secured by the property.
Renewed Policies, Renewed Taxes: DST on Life Insurance Increases
Supreme Court rules documentary stamp tax applies to renewed life insurance policies and additional group members, not just original issuance.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Criminal Charges vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Supreme Court Clarifies Scope of Stay Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules that stay orders in corporate rehabilitation do not suspend criminal cases against corporate officers.