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 Under Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is valued for agrarian reform lands, emphasizing the time of taking and the factors under RA 6657.
Reapportionment and Term Limits: Can Renaming a District Reset the Clock?
When a legislative district is reapportioned and renamed, does the three-term limit clock reset? The Supreme Court answers in Naval v. COMELEC.
Forged Signatures and Void Sales: Protecting Conjugal Property Rights in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court nullified a sale based on forged signatures, protecting conjugal property and heirs' rights under Philippine law.
Unlawful Detainer Rentals Reckoned From Demand to Vacate, Not Initial Occupation
Supreme Court rules rental arrears in unlawful detainer run from demand to vacate, not from start of tolerated occupation.
Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice
The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.
When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.
Seafarers Rights Medical Expenses Are Separate From Disability Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that medical expenses, sickness allowance, and disability benefits are separate liabilities under the POEA-SEC.
Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.
Employer Claims Against Employee for SSS Contributions: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction
Supreme Court rules employer's claim for reimbursement of SSS contributions and damages against employee falls under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction.
Tax Assessments, Formal Offer of Evidence, and Due Process in Deficiency Tax Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when tax assessments are void for lack of due process and why formal offer of evidence matters before the CTA.
Reinstatement Rights Balancing Seniority AND Prevailing Wage Standards IN Illegal Dismissal Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that reinstatement "without loss of seniority rights" does not mean equal pay with newer, differently-situated employees.
Land Registration: Possession Before Alienability Declaration Counts
Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's alienability declaration counts for registration, if declared alienable at application time.
Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity
Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.
When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.
Task Basis vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Holiday, SIL, and 13th Month Pay Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that task-basis workers are not automatically barred from holiday, SIL, and 13th month pay.
Supreme Court Limits Presidential Spending Power in Araullo v. Aquino III
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, reaffirming that public funds require congressional appropriation under the Constitution.
Speedy Trial and Provisional Dismissal: Key Rules from Co v. New Prosperity Plastic Products
The Supreme Court clarifies when provisional dismissal becomes permanent and how the one-year revival period is counted.
Presumption of Innocence Prevails: Reversal of Rape Conviction Due to Insufficient Evidence
Philippine Supreme Court acquits rape accused where prosecution evidence failed to overcome presumption of innocence, reaffirming proof beyond reasonable doubt standard.
Property Rights and Nuisance: Balancing Interests in Land Use Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when land use becomes a nuisance, when it can be abated, and how courts balance competing property rights.
Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.
Grave Misconduct and Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Government Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct in government service, explaining its definition, penalties, and the high standard of integrity required of public officials and employees.
Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages
Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.
Upholding Employee Rights NPC Employees Entitled TO Separation PAY Despite Corporate Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC illegally dismissed employees entitled to separation pay, backwages despite corporate restructuring under EPIRA.