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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Timely Compensation Determining Interest on Delayed Agrarian Land Payments
The Supreme Court clarifies when 12% interest accrues on delayed agrarian reform compensation, ruling it runs from the time of taking, not from revaluation.
Tolerance Ends Landowners Right Prevails Over Long Term Use In Property Dispute
Philippine Supreme Court rules that possession by mere tolerance does not ripen into ownership, and laches cannot bar a registered owner's right to recover property.
Disbarment for Forgery and Misrepresentation in Marriage Nullity Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer who filed nullity petition without client's consent, forged signature, and misrepresented herself as counsel.
Lawyer Suspended for Dishonoring Obligations and Issuing Bouncing Checks
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks and evading debts, violating the Code of Professional Responsibility.
When Lawyers Issue Bouncing Checks: Good Faith Is No Defense in Disciplinary Cases
The Supreme Court suspends a lawyer for two years for issuing worthless checks, clarifying that good faith is not a defense in disciplinary proceedings.
Lawyer Suspended for Notarizing Without Commission and Dishonoring Financial Obligations
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for two years and permanently disqualifies him as notary for notarizing documents without a commission and for dishonesty.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Boundaries of Public Office Eligibility
The Supreme Court rules that libel is a crime involving moral turpitude, disqualifying a convicted candidate from public office under the Omnibus Election Code.
Moral Turpitude and Electoral Disqualification: Defining the Limits of Eligibility
A libel conviction bars a candidate from office for five years. The Supreme Court explains why in Ty-Delgado v. HRET.
Disallowed Government Benefits and Good Faith Refund Rules: Zamboanga City Water District v. COA
When do government employees and officers have to refund disallowed benefits? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith rule in this case.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: When Undisclosed Evidence Voids a Dismissal
The Supreme Court reinstates a PDEA agent dismissed for grave misconduct, ruling that decisions must rest on evidence disclosed to the accused.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Dominant Needs and Servient Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of way may be denied, favoring least prejudice to the servient estate over shortest distance.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Warrantless Arrests and Chain of Custody Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when warrantless arrests are valid and how chain of custody rules apply in drug paraphernalia cases under RA 9165.
Union Officers' Failure to Act on Member's Appeal Is Unfair Labor Practice
Supreme Court rules union officers who ignore a member's appeal commit unfair labor practice violating the right to self-organization.
Union Members' Right to Due Process in Suspension and Expulsion Cases
Supreme Court rules union officers liable for unfair labor practices when they ignore members' appeals from suspension and expulsion.
Derivative Suits vs Individual Stockholder Claims: Florete v. Florete
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when stockholders must file derivative suits rather than individual actions for corporate wrongs.
Sabbatical Leave and Abuse of Rights: Understanding Employer Discretion in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that sabbatical leave is a privilege, not a right, and explains when employer discretion amounts to abuse of rights.
Premature Filing Bars Seafarers Disability Claim: POEA-SEC 240-Day Rule Explained
Filing a disability claim before the company doctor issues an assessment within 240 days can be fatal. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
Tax Sales and Due Process: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax sales, due process, and property rights protection for landowners and buyers.
Sabbatical Denials and Due Process: Balancing University Autonomy and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies when a university's denial of sabbatical leave and withholding of salaries constitutes bad faith, and when it does not.
Illegal Recruitment: When Promising Overseas Jobs Without a License Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court clarifies when promising overseas employment without a license constitutes illegal recruitment in large scale under Philippine law.
Judgment on the Pleadings: When Admissions in an Answer Bind a Party
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when admissions in an answer justify judgment on the pleadings, and why courts cannot look outside the pleadings.
Trademark Law Dominancy Test Prevails in Papa Brand Dispute
Supreme Court applies dominancy test in trademark confusion case between Papa and Papa Boy & Device marks.
Execution Pending Appeal: Moral Damages and Attorney's Fees Excluded
Supreme Court rules moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney's fees cannot be included in execution pending appeal. Learn the rules.