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.
Mandatory SSS Coverage for Filipino Seafarers: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court upheld the mandatory SSS coverage of Filipino seafarers under RA 11199, ruling it constitutional and valid.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Serious Dishonesty in Civil Service Exams: The Dampilag Ruling on Impersonation
The Supreme Court affirms that impersonation in civil service exams constitutes serious dishonesty and falsification, warranting dismissal from service.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: Insights from Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between voluntary resignation and constructive dismissal in Pascual v. Sitel Philippines Corporation.
When Can You Challenge an Ombudsman Dismissal? Certiorari Limits Explained
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling in Dormido v. Ombudsman on why certiorari cannot cure errors of judgment in graft case dismissals.
Environmental Advocacy and the Attorney's Duty When Fisherfolk Voices Clash in the West Philippine Sea
How lawyers can ethically navigate environmental advocacy when fisherfolk voices clash in the West Philippine Sea.
Land Registration: Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable Under Philippine Law
Learn the strict proof required to register land in the Philippines, including DENR certifications, and why possession alone is not enough.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Proving Land Is Alienable and Disposable: Highpoint v. Republic
Land registration applicants must present both a CENRO certification and a certified true copy of the DENR Secretary's land classification.
Can Pathological Gambling Nullify a Marriage? The Singson Ruling on Psychological Incapacity
The Supreme Court in Singson v. Singson clarifies when pathological gambling can—and cannot—nullify a marriage under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Mining Rights vs. Indigenous Peoples: Exhaustion of Remedies and Grave Abuse of Discretion
The Supreme Court in Alecha v. Atienza underscores the exhaustion doctrine and limits of grave abuse of discretion in mining disputes.
Demolition and Due Process: Balancing Property Rights and Public Projects in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when demolitions may proceed without a court order under RA 7279, using the BCDA JUSMAG case.
Construction Delays: Who Bears the Cost? Lessons from BF Corp v. Werdenberg
A Supreme Court ruling on construction delays clarifies how courts apportion liability and compute liquidated damages when both parties share fault.
Demolition Orders and Due Process: Key Lessons from the Alangdeo Case
The Supreme Court invalidated a demolition order in Alangdeo v. City Mayor of Baguio, reinforcing due process and legal safeguards for property owners.
Workplace Boundaries: When Misconduct Crosses Into Sexual Harassment
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a supervisor's unwanted kiss is grave misconduct, not simple misconduct, in Philippine administrative law.
Land Registration Requires Impeccable Proof of Alienability
The Supreme Court nullified a land registration judgment where applicants failed to present documentary proof that the property was alienable and disposable public land.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Sovereign Immunity and Environmental Responsibility: Jurisdiction in the Tubbataha Reef Case
The Supreme Court clarifies sovereign immunity limits and environmental accountability in the USS Guardian grounding at Tubbataha Reefs.
Possession Follows Ownership When a Writ of Execution Implies Possession of Land
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a writ of execution may place a winning party in possession of land even if the judgment does not expressly say so.
Quieting Title Over Public Land: Why Ownership Rights Are Required
The Supreme Court clarifies that an action to quiet title fails without legal or equitable ownership, especially over public land.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Seafarers' Hyperthyroidism and Disability Benefits: The Disputable Presumption of Work-Relatedness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarers' hyperthyroidism claims, the disputable presumption of work-relatedness, and disability benefits under POEA-SEC.
Grave Neglect of Duty in Public Office: The Samson De Leon Case
When does a public official's inaction become grave neglect of duty? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in this administrative law case.
When Is a General Manager Considered a Corporate Officer? Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how Philippine law defines corporate officers, and when a general manager may be considered one, based on Supreme Court rulings.