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.
Sheriff's Overzealous Writ Execution: Grave Abuse of Authority and Citizen's Rights
When a sheriff's writ execution crosses the line into illegal detention and premature demolition, the Supreme Court steps in to protect citizens' rights.
Fishpond Exemption and Farmworker Security of Tenure After Lease Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond farmworkers retain security of tenure after a civil law lessee's lease expires.
Fishpond Workers' Rights After Lease Expiration: Civil Lease vs Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond workers hired by a civil law lessee can stay after lease expiration, and why fishponds are exempt from agrarian reform.
Reopening a Preliminary Investigation Does Not Prove Prosecutorial Partiality
Supreme Court clarifies that reopening a preliminary investigation is not proof of bias under the Anti-Graft law, absent evidence of bad faith.
When a Financing Company Is Not a Mortgagee in Good Faith: Lloyd's Enterprises v. Dolleton
A financing firm that failed to inspect a mortgaged property cannot claim good faith. Learn the due diligence rule from this 2008 case.
Buy-Bust Operations and Instigation: When Police Tactics Are Valid in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Valid Substituted Service and Child Support Rights in Philippine Family Law
Supreme Court ruling on valid substituted service of summons for OFW parents and the right of illegitimate children to support.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
VAT Refund for Tourists Upheld: Equal Protection and Tax Classification Explained
The Supreme Court upheld the VAT refund law for foreign tourists, ruling it does not violate equal protection or tax uniformity.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Labor Disputes Involving Government Chartered Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that labor disputes in government-owned or controlled corporations with original charters fall under the Civil Service Commission, not the NLRC.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Tax Credit vs. Deduction Under RA 7432
The Supreme Court clarifies that under RA 7432, the 20% senior citizen discount is a tax credit, not a mere deduction from gross income.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: Lessons from Dacdac v. Ramos
A sheriff's four-year delay in issuing a certificate of sale drew administrative liability. Learn the rules on execution of judgments.
Sheriffs Must Execute Court Orders Promptly: Lessons from an Administrative Case
A sheriff's delay in issuing a certificate of sale led to administrative liability. Learn the duty of sheriffs in executing judgments.
Defining Confidential Employees: Balancing Labor Rights and Management Prerogatives in Collective Bargaining
Supreme Court ruling on confidential employees in bargaining units and acting capacity pay, balancing labor rights with management prerogatives.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Gross Negligence and Project Employment: Protecting Employee Rights Against Unjust Dismissal
Learn how the Supreme Court defined gross negligence and project employment in Belle Corporation v. Macasusi, protecting employees from unjust dismissal.
Overcoming Laches Establishing Ownership Despite Delays In Contested Land Titles
Explore how laches can bar registered owners from recovering land despite delays, and why failing to implead indispensable parties is fatal.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Preventive Suspension and Unexplained Wealth in Public Office
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Ombudsman may preventively suspend public officials facing charges of dishonesty and unexplained wealth.
Evaluating Witness Credibility When a Trial Court’s Findings Prevail in Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility in homicide cases, why trial court findings prevail on appeal, and the role of circumstantial evidence.
Immorality as Ground for Suspension: Court Personnel Held to High Moral Standards
Court employees face discipline for immoral conduct. Learn how a process server's extramarital affair led to suspension.
Local Taxing Powers vs National Policy: Navotas Cannot Tax Petroleum Sales
Supreme Court rules local governments cannot impose business taxes on petroleum products under (h) of the Local Government Code.
When Court Employees Fail Their Duty: The Madolaria Administrative Case
A deputy sheriff's repeated failures to serve court processes led to a one-year suspension, reinforcing the strict standards for judicial employees.
Self-Defense and Parricide: Proving Justification in Spousal Homicide
When a husband kills his wife, self-defense is hard to prove. This case explains the legal requirements and penalties.
Proving Just Cause in Retrenchment and Redundancy: Lessons from AMA Computer College
Learn what employers must prove for valid retrenchment or redundancy dismissals, and why AMA Computer College's termination of two employees was ruled illegal.