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.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When CARL Applies to PD 27 Lands
Supreme Court clarifies when RA 6657 governs just compensation for lands acquired under PD 27, emphasizing fairness to landowners.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Broken Links Mean Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect over broken chain of custody, underscoring the strict rule on preserving evidence integrity.
Proximate Cause Prevails: When a Plaintiff's Own Negligence Bars Recovery in Vehicle Accidents
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a plaintiff's own negligence as proximate cause bars recovery, even with defendant's contributory negligence.
Proximate Cause and Criminal Liability for Unintended Death in the Philippines
When a beating triggers a fatal heart attack, is the attacker liable for homicide? The Supreme Court explains proximate cause under Article 4 of the Revised Penal Code.
Upholding Franchise Agreements: The Limits of Certiorari in Challenging Final Judgments
When can a party challenge a final judgment through certiorari? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of Rule 65 petitions in franchise disputes.
Equitable Reduction of Liquidated Damages in Construction Delays: Balancing Contractual Obligations and Fairne
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may reduce liquidated damages in construction delay cases, balancing contract terms with equity.
IBP Legal Aid Clients Exempted From Court Fees: A New Rule for Access to Justice
The Supreme Court exempts qualified IBP legal aid clients from paying filing, docket, and other legal fees, advancing free access to courts for the poor.
Judicial Ethics: When Judges Squabble, Both Face Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling on two RTC judges fined for a public altercation shows why decorum is a non-negotiable judicial duty.
When Is Tuberculosis a Work-Related Illness? Seafarer Disability Claims in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when tuberculosis is work-related for seafarer disability claims, and the burden of proof on the seafarer.
Upholding Land Titles: The Limits of Reconveyance Based on Alleged Fraud in Free Patent Applications
The Supreme Court clarifies when a free patent title becomes indefeasible and why mere allegations of fraud cannot defeat a Torrens title.
Duress vs Free Will: When Fear Does Not Excuse Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when uncontrollable fear excuses a crime and when it does not, in a murder case.
Eminent Domain: Fair Initial Compensation Based on Property Classification
Supreme Court ruling on RA 8974: initial compensation in expropriation must match property classification, not actual use.
Estoppel in Land Sales: Upholding Agreements Despite Lack of Written Authority
Philippine Supreme Court rules on estoppel in land sales where an agent lacked written authority, protecting buyers who relied on the seller's silence.
Heirs Obligation Estate Debt Survival Beyond Death IN Philippine LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that debts survive death—heirs inherit obligations but only up to the estate's value. Learn the rules.
Constructive Possession When Contraband in a Shared Space Implicates Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court explains when drugs found in a shared space can still prove constructive possession and guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Forfeiture of Retirement Benefits for Serious Misconduct: Due Process in Termination Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when employers may forfeit retirement benefits for serious misconduct and what due process requires in termination.
Abuse of Rights Under Article 19: When Business Decisions Are Protected
The Supreme Court clarifies when business decisions like audits and non-renewal of contracts are protected, not abuse of rights.
Sangguniang Bayan Concurrence in Municipal Appointments: A Mandatory Requirement
The Supreme Court ruled that municipal appointments require Sangguniang Bayan concurrence; without it, the appointment is invalid regardless of tenure.
Surety Bond Validity: The Impact of Accreditation on Appeal Perfection in Labor Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that a surety bond remains valid if the bonding company was accredited at the time of issuance, affecting labor appeal perfection.
Breach of Trust and Misappropriation of Funds Justify Dismissal in Electric Cooperative
Supreme Court rules that misappropriating collections and gross negligence are valid causes for dismissing employees of an electric cooperative.
Indigency Status Corporations Cannot Claim FEE Exemption Despite Aiding THE Poor
Philippine Supreme Court rules corporations cannot claim indigent litigant fee exemptions, even when serving the poor. Learn the legal basis.
Broken Chains: Safeguarding Drug Evidence and Protecting Rights in Philippine Law
When police fail to mark seized drugs immediately and prove custody, the accused may be acquitted. Learn from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Heated Words Lead to Illegal Strikes: Balancing Free Speech and Order in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on gross negligence, serious misconduct, and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Management Prerogative vs Constructive Dismissal: When Transfer of Employees Is Valid
Supreme Court clarifies when a permanent transfer is valid management prerogative and not constructive dismissal, and when benefits may be reduced.