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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Prosecutor's Comment on Motion for Reconsideration After Information Filed Not Misconduct
Supreme Court rules a prosecutor who files a recommendatory comment on a motion for reconsideration after arraignment does not commit conduct prejudicial to the service.
Mutual Life Insurance Companies Exempt from Premium Tax and DST
Supreme Court rules mutual life insurance companies are cooperatives exempt from premium tax and documentary stamp tax without CDA registration.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Manila's Duty to Pay for Expropriated Land
The Supreme Court rules that local governments must promptly pay just compensation for expropriated property, and cannot delay through procedural maneuvers.
Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran: Illegal Dismissal, Retirement, and CBA Benefits
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, optional retirement, CBA benefits for managers, and tax disputes in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Can the Special Prosecutor Exercise Preventive Suspension Powers? Key SC Ruling
The Supreme Court rules on whether the Ombudsman's Special Prosecutor may validly issue preventive suspension orders in administrative cases.
Ombudsman's Authority Prevails: Challenging Jurisdiction After Participating in Proceedings
Supreme Court rules that participating in NLRC proceedings does not bar challenging jurisdiction when Civil Service Commission has exclusive authority over government employees.
Equal Treatment in Back Pay for Philippine Ports Authority Employees
Supreme Court rules PPA employees hired after July 1, 1989 are entitled to COLA and amelioration allowance back pay.
Misjoinder of Parties and Its Effect on Verification and Certification Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a misjoined party's failure to sign verification and certification against forum-shopping is not ground for dismissal.
Due Process Prevails: Dismissal Without Notice and Hearing Is Unlawful
Supreme Court rules that government employees cannot be dismissed for AWOL or poor ratings without prior notice and hearing.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Upholding THE Mandatory Nature OF Docket Fees
The Supreme Court rules that paying appellate docket fees on time is mandatory, not a mere technicality.
Union Formation Validating Legal Personality Despite Procedural Lapses In Labor Cases
Supreme Court rules a local union may acquire legal personality on the date it files complete documents, even with procedural irregularities.
Civil Liability Arising From Crime: Preserving the Right to Indemnification
A crime victim's reserved civil action for damages ex delicto survives even after the quasi-delict claim prescribes, the Supreme Court rules.
Marine Insurance and Agents: When Licenses Are Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules P&I Clubs need licenses to operate and their local agents need separate licenses.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Commissions: The "No Report, No Release" Rule Struck Down
Supreme Court rules DBM cannot impose conditions or withhold funds from fiscally autonomous bodies like the Civil Service Commission.
Fiscal Autonomy vs Budgetary Control: Protecting Constitutional Commissions' Independence
The Supreme Court rules on the scope of fiscal autonomy for constitutional commissions, striking down the "no report, no release" policy.
PLDT v. City of Bacolod: The Limits of the Most-Favored-Treatment Clause in Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that the most-favored-treatment clause in R.A. 7925 does not grant tax exemptions to telecommunications companies.
Most Favored Treatment Clause in Telecom: What PLDT v. Bacolod Means for Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that Section 23 of RA 7925 does not grant automatic tax exemptions to telecom companies. Learn what this means.
Employer Status and Return-to-Work Orders: PLDT v. MKP on Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of the Labor Secretary's power to exclude redundant workers from return-to-work orders under Article 263(g).
Appeal Bonds Ensuring Labor Awards ARE NOT Empty Victories
The Supreme Court rules that posting an insufficient appeal bond is fatal to an employer's appeal, ensuring labor awards are not empty victories.
Balancing Rights When Subpoena Powers Clash With Speedy Trial Rights In Bouncing Check Cases
The Supreme Court rules on when a subpoena duces tecum in BP 22 cases becomes a fishing expedition that violates speedy trial rights.
Substantial Compliance Prevails: Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with procedural requirements may excuse technical lapses, ensuring cases are decided on merits.
Dishonesty and Absenteeism in the Judiciary: Upholding Public Trust Through Accountability
Court personnel who collect funds without authority and abandon their posts betray public trust. The Supreme Court rules on the consequences.
Dishonesty in Public Service: When Good Faith and Lack of Profit Do Not Excuse Negligence
The Supreme Court rules that a bank employee's negligent appraisal report constitutes dishonesty, even without personal gain.
Upholding Workers Rights THE Limits OF Quitclaims IN Philippine Labor LAW
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when quitclaims and waivers signed by employees are invalid and cannot bar recovery of labor standard claims.