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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Seafarer Disability Claims: When Heart Disease Is Not Compensable Under POEA Contract
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer disability claims, work-connection requirement, and the mandatory 3-day post-employment medical examination under the POEA contract.
When a Deaf-Mute Eyewitness Testifies: Credibility and Positive Identification in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court affirms a robbery with homicide conviction based on a deaf-mute eyewitness's credible testimony and positive identification of the accused.
Self-Defense or Murder? The Limits of Justifiable Force in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when self-defense fails and a killing becomes murder, explaining unlawful aggression, treachery, and reasonable force.
Quarrying Rights: Local Permits Prevail Despite National Authorization
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a national quarry permit does not override local government requirements like the governor's permit.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Fair Valuation of Rubber Lands
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for rubber lands must be determined under agrarian reform, emphasizing the mandatory DAR valuation formula.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Protecting Workers' Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between business closure and retrenchment under Philippine labor law, and when separation pay is required.
When Administrative Tribunals Overstep: COSLAP Jurisdiction and the Dream Village Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies COSLAP's limited jurisdiction over land disputes involving titled government property reserved for public purpose.
When Can Medical Records Be Subpoenaed? Patient Privacy Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when hospital records may be subpoenaed and how physician-patient privilege protects medical privacy in civil cases.
Interest on Installment Payments: When Does the Clock Stop Ticking
A buyer's mere letter of intent to pay does not stop interest from running. The Supreme Court explains tender of payment and consignation rules.
Shared Responsibility: Apportioning Liability Between Carriers and Arrastre Operators for Cargo Damage
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when carriers and arrastre operators share liability for damaged cargo, and the rules on subrogation and prescription.
Limits of Authority: When a Verbal Agreement Doesn't Guarantee Land Sale
Supreme Court ruling on COSLAP jurisdiction, Torrens title, and why long occupation of government land does not create ownership rights.
Co-Owner's Unauthorized Sale: When a Verbal Deal Binds Only the Seller's Share
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a co-owner's verbal sale of inherited property is valid and what buyers must prove about an agent's authority.
Strict Compliance with Publication Rule Is Jurisdictional in Title Reconstitution
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with the 30-day publication requirement in reconstitution cases deprives courts of jurisdiction.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Rape of a Mentally Retarded Person and the Extent of Legal Safeguards
In People v. Rosales, the Supreme Court affirmed that knowledge of a victim's mental disability makes rape a qualified offense, raising the penalty and damages.
Due Process and Party-List Disqualification: Senior Citizens Case
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot cancel a party-list group's registration without due notice and hearing.
Dividing Labor When Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff Form Unions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bargaining units when teaching and non-teaching personnel join one union.
Security of Tenure vs Legislative Power: Reclassifying Public Positions in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that Congress may reclassify public positions, and security of tenure follows the position's nature at the time of removal.
Safeguarding Electoral Independence: Limits of DOJ-Comelec Collaboration in Election Offense Probes
The Supreme Court upholds joint DOJ-Comelec preliminary investigations for election offenses, clarifying constitutional limits on collaboration.
VAT Refund Claims: Strict Invoicing Rules and the Definition of Capital Goods
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict invoicing requirements and capital goods definition for VAT refund claims in Bonifacio Water Corporation case.
Eyewitness Testimony and the Defense of Alibi: Assessing Credibility in Murder Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on how courts weigh eyewitness testimony against denial and alibi in murder prosecutions, with practical guidance.
Rape and Consent: Why Love Does Not Justify Sexual Assault in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling affirms that being sweethearts is not a license for non-consensual sex, upholding rape convictions and clarifying the sweetheart defense.
Upholding Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases: Philippine Tourism Authority v. Sabandal-Herzenstiel
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, and how force may be implied.
Duty of Candor: When Exercising a Right Becomes an Abuse of Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on abuse of rights under Article 19, Civil Code, and liability for damages in water disconnection case.
Habeas Corpus: When Can a Court-Ordered Detention Be Challenged
The Supreme Court explains when habeas corpus cannot be used to challenge a detention—and what remedy is available instead.