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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Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that agrarian reform just compensation must be valued at the time of taking, not at later dates.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Overcomes Delay and Apparent Inconsistencies
Supreme Court explains why a rape victim's delayed report and acceptance of money do not destroy her credibility.
Agrarian Reform vs Acquisitive Prescription: Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
When agrarian reform and acquisitive prescription collide, the Supreme Court clarifies which principle governs land ownership disputes.
Finality of Judgment in Illegal Dismissal: What "Other Benefits" Really Covers
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on retirement pay and allowances in illegal dismissal cases, and why final judgments are immutable.
Strict Rules on Foreclosure Notice Publication: What Philippine Mortgagors Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with foreclosure notice publication requirements and consequences of defective notices.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Relaxation of Appeal Bond Requirements in Labor Disputes: Balancing Access to Justice and Protection of Labor
Supreme Court clarifies when the NLRC may relax appeal bond rules in labor cases, balancing employer access to appeal with worker protection.
Upholding Ethical Conduct: Failure to Pay Just Debts as a Breach of Public Trust
Court stenographer reprimanded for willful failure to pay just debts; the Supreme Court clarifies the definition under civil service rules.
Civil Service Exam Fraud: Forged Signatures and Dishonesty in Public Service
Supreme Court ruling on Civil Service exam fraud, forged signatures, and the consequences of dishonesty in public service employment.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Unmarked Evidence Means Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to mark seized sachets, breaking the chain of custody and casting doubt on the evidence.
Regular vs. Fixed-Term Employment: Security of Tenure Under Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and when it violates a worker's security of tenure under Philippine labor law.
Tax Collection: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Limited by Prescription
Supreme Court rules BIR's right to collect assessed taxes prescribes in three years; inaction bars collection.
Environmental Law Upholding Power Plant Construction Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court clarifies the writ of kalikasan's scope and upholds a coal plant's ECC despite procedural lapses in its issuance.
Attorney Negligence and Breach of Duty: When a Lawyer's Inaction Costs a Client the Case
A Supreme Court ruling on lawyer accountability: negligence and lack of candor lead to a two-year suspension from practice.
Land Title Registration: Possession Before Land Classification Counts
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's classification as alienable and disposable can count toward original registration.
Adverse Possession and Land Registration: Clarifying Requirements for Imperfect Titles
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's classification as alienable and disposable counts toward confirming imperfect title under Section 14(1).
Finality of Settlements: How Quitclaims Impact Employment Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims are valid and binding in labor disputes, protecting employees from waivers made under duress.
Defining Disability Seafarers Rights TO Full Compensation Under Poea SEC
Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer with a Grade 8 disability rating is entitled to total and permanent disability compensation under the POEA SEC.
Earnest Money and Perfected Sales: When Payment Cannot Bind a Reluctant Seller
The Supreme Court explains when earnest money cannot create a binding contract of sale, protecting property owners from irregular payment schemes.
Challenging Drug Convictions: Scrutinizing Police Conduct and Evidence in Illegal Drug Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how courts weigh police testimony, buy-bust operations, and the presumption of regularity.
Project-Based Employment: Defining Scope and Duration in Philippine Labor Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when project-based employment is valid, focusing on the determinable duration and scope of the project.
Earnest Money Misconceptions When A Deposit Doesnt Guarantee A Sale
The Supreme Court clarifies that earnest money only binds a seller after a contract of sale is perfected—not before consent is given.
Tax Refund Claims: Proving Excess Creditable Withholding Tax Without Quarterly ITRs
Supreme Court rules quarterly ITRs of succeeding year are not indispensable in proving excess creditable withholding tax refund claims.
Upholding Competence and Diligence: Attorney Suspended for Neglect of Client's Case
A lawyer's suspension from practice does not end his duty to clients. The Supreme Court suspends Atty. Baterina for gross negligence.