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: Ensuring Fair Valuation of Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for agrarian reform land must be determined, emphasizing the factors under of RA 6657.
Arbitration Agreements and the Corporate Veil: When Stockholders Are Not Bound by Company Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses bind only signatory parties, not corporate stockholders shielded by the corporate veil.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Condonation and Concubinage: Understanding Marital Forgiveness in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how condonation affects criminal liability for concubinage under the Revised Penal Code, and what spouses should know.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.