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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Breach of Trust in Employment: Upholding Termination for Misconduct
The Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing an employee, even without a criminal conviction.
Eminent Domain Easements Just Compensation For Perpetual Restrictions ON Property USE
When a right-of-way easement for transmission lines permanently restricts property use, full just compensation, not a mere easement fee, is due.
Fixed-Term Contracts: What the 30-Day Notice Rule Means for Renewal
Supreme Court ruling on fixed-term contracts, the 30-day notice requirement, and automatic renewal implications for employers and employees.
Supervening Events and Boracay Land Claims: Heirs of Maravilla v. Tupas
A Supreme Court ruling on how the Boracay ownership decision stopped execution of a final judgment, explained for property owners.
When Testimony Fails the Test: Acquittal in Forcible Abduction with Rape
The Supreme Court acquits a man of forcible abduction with rape, showing how inconsistent victim testimony and the equipoise rule shape criminal convictions.
Upholding Due Process in Dismissals: The Four-Fold Test and Employer Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies the four-fold test for employer-employee relationships and the need for due process in dismissals.
Ensuring Access: The Indispensable Right to a Legal Easement of Right of Way
When a property becomes landlocked through no fault of its owner, Philippine law grants a legal easement of right of way. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Substantial Completion and Contract Termination in Construction Disputes: PSHS v. Pirra Construction
When is a project substantially completed, and when can a government agency terminate a construction contract? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Substantiation of Tax Deductions: Proper Documentation Under Philippine Tax Law
Philippine law requires proper documentation for tax deductions, including PWD discounts. Learn the rules and substantiation requirements.
Tenant Rights Under Urban Land Reform: Proving Legitimate Tenancy for Protection Against Eviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that only legitimate tenants with proof of tenancy, not mere occupants, receive protection under P.D. No. 1517.
Boracay Land Dispute: When a Supervening Event Stops Execution of a Final Judgment
The Supreme Court explains when a supervening event can stop execution of a final judgment, using the Boracay land dispute as a case study.
Discounts FOR THE Disabled Upholding Equal Access TO Medicines Under Police Power
The Supreme Court upholds the 20% PWD medicine discount as a valid exercise of police power, not eminent domain.
Surname Use for Illegitimate Children: What the Supreme Court Said in Gan v. Republic
The Supreme Court explains when an illegitimate child may use the father's surname, and why changing one's name is a privilege, not a right.
Joinder of Transferee in Pending Foreclosure Case: Cameron Granville v. Chua
When a bank sells a foreclosed debt, can the buyer join the pending case? The Supreme Court clarifies joinder and substitution rules.
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.
Premature Environmental Challenges Clarifying EIS Requirements in Public-Private Partnerships
Supreme Court clarifies when EIS and ECC duties arise in PPP projects, ruling that pre-bidding environmental challenges are premature.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.
Supreme Court Holds Judges to Exact Ethical Standards in Off-Duty Misconduct Case
The Supreme Court fined a judge for damaging neighbors' vehicles, reaffirming that judges must avoid impropriety even outside court.
Reorganization and Security of Tenure: Why Employees Must Exhaust Administrative Remedies First
Supreme Court ruling on LWUA reorganization clarifies that employees challenging government restructuring must first exhaust administrative remedies before going to court.
Lawyer's Unfounded Bribery Accusation Against Prosecutor Draws Fine
Supreme Court fines a lawyer for baselessly accusing a prosecutor of bribery in pleadings, stressing limits of zealous advocacy.
Judicial Clarity Required: Nullifying Decisions Without Factual and Legal Basis
The Supreme Court affirms that decisions lacking clear factual and legal bases are void, upholding the Court of Appeals' nullification of a trial court ruling.
Work-Related Illness and Seafarers' Compensation: The Burden of Proof Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's illness is compensable and how the burden of proof works in disability claims.
Upholding Buy-Bust Operations: Validating Drug Convictions Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court affirms drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, ruling substantial compliance with chain of custody rules suffices when evidence integrity is preserved.
Unlawful Arrest Invalidates Drug Possession Conviction Protecting Constitutional Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court acquitted an accused due to an unlawful arrest and broken chain of custody in drug cases.