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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Prescription in Intra-Corporate Disputes: The 15-Day Rule for Election Contests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that actions to nullify stockholders' meetings and elections are election contests subject to the 15-day prescriptive period.
Upholding Corporate Meeting Validity Proxy Rights AND Timeliness IN Intra Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court rules on proxy rights, notice requirements, and the 15-day prescriptive period for election contests in intra-corporate disputes.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Balancing Employer Flexibility and Employee Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and do not circumvent security of tenure.
Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Robbery Cases: Ensuring Fair Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms that credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi in robbery cases, explaining how courts assess witness credibility.
The Limits of Mandamus in Enforcing Disputed Informer's Rewards
When can a court compel payment of an informer's reward? The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus only lies for clear, undisputed rights.
Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Upholds Independence of Quasi-Judicial Officers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against NLRC commissioners, warning against using disciplinary cases to harass adjudicators.
Supreme Court on COLA Back Pay for Water District Employees: Good Faith Excuses Refund
The Supreme Court ruled that water district employees need not refund disallowed COLA back pay, citing good faith and the integration of allowances under the Salary Standardization Law.
Judicial Efficiency: Timely Resolution of Cases and Disciplinary Action for Undue Delay
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in resolving cases, imposing fines for violations of the 90-day rule.
Comelec Must Enable Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail: Mandamus Granted
Supreme Court compels Comelec to activate VVPAT feature, affirming voters' right to verify their ballots under election law.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and the DENR Secretary's Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts can review mining disputes, the DENR Secretary's administrative powers, and the need to exhaust remedies.
Refugee Status Determination in the Philippines: The "Reasonable Degree" Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies the shared burden of proof and the "reasonable degree" threshold for refugee status determination in the Philippines.
Mining Rights: Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies and DENR Secretary Authority
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that DENR Secretary's approval of mining agreements is administrative, not quasi-judicial, requiring exhaustion of administrative remedies.
BSP Authority to Engage Private Counsel and Jurisdiction in Legal Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies BSP's power to hire private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property cases involving assessed value.
Attorney Disqualification: The Limits of Contingency Fees and Conflicts of Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lawyers acquiring client property during litigation, void contracts, and contingency fee limits.
Voiding Land Sales Under Free Patent: The Five-Year Restriction on Alienation
When can a sale of free patent land be void? The Supreme Court explains the five-year ban and its consequences.
Incomplete Self-Defense: When a Knife Is Not a Reasonable Means in Homicide Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a knife against a belt buckle fails the "reasonable necessity" test for incomplete self-defense in homicide.
Trial Court Discretion and Fair Trial: Nullifying Pre-Trial Proceedings
Supreme Court clarifies when a trial court may nullify pre-trial proceedings and the limits of judicial discretion in criminal cases.
Security of Tenure: Landowner Must Prove Grounds for Tenant Eviction Under Agrarian Reform Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that landowners bear the burden of proving lawful grounds for tenant eviction, and unlawful lease rentals cannot justify dispossession.
Preliminary Injunction Preserving the Status Quo in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a preliminary injunction may issue in property disputes, emphasizing the need to preserve the status quo and the limits of such relief.
BSP Can Use Private Counsel: Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction and Representation Rules
Supreme Court rules on BSP's authority to engage private counsel and RTC jurisdiction over real property disputes.
Substitution of Parties: Due Process Prevails Despite Procedural Lapses in Estate Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to formally substitute deceased parties is not fatal when heirs actively participate in the case.
Substitution of Heirs and Due Process in Continuing Litigation After a Party's Death
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when failure to formally substitute deceased parties does not violate due process in ongoing civil cases.
Electoral Tribunals and Nuisance Candidates: Jurisdiction After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that the HRET cannot declare a candidate a nuisance candidate once the COMELEC's ruling has become final.