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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When Can a Government Official Hire Private Counsel? Gontang v. Alayan Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when local government officials may hire private lawyers despite rules requiring government counsel representation.
Resignation vs Termination: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Contract Disputes
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's request to be relieved amounts to resignation, not illegal dismissal.
Third-Party Mortgages and Stay Orders: Scope Under Philippine Rehabilitation Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that stay orders in corporate rehabilitation do not cover third-party or accommodation mortgages under the Interim Rules.
Judicial Conduct: Impartiality and Limits on a Judge's Discretion Over Staff Appointments
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on a judge's discretion in renewing staff appointments, and the boundaries of judicial conduct.
Upholding Public Land Rights: The State's Power Over Inalienable Territories
The Supreme Court reaffirms that titles over inalienable public land are void, even in the hands of innocent purchasers for value.
Reinstatement With Backwages for Employees Excluded From Illegal Strike Charges
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that workers not charged with illegal strike cannot be treated as in pari delicto and must get backwages.
BSP Authority to Set Interest Rates and Protect Borrowers After Usury Law Suspension
The Supreme Court confirms the BSP's authority over interest rates, explains the Usury Law suspension, and protects borrowers from unconscionable charges.
Judicial Immunity: When CAN Judges Be Held Liable for Their Decisions?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial immunity and when judges may face administrative liability for their rulings.
When Is a General Manager Considered a Corporate Officer? Philippine Jurisprudence
Explore how Philippine law defines corporate officers, and when a general manager may be considered one, based on Supreme Court rulings.
Parking Liability When Negligence Doesn't Extend to the Property Owner
When a car is stolen from a paid parking lot, who pays? The Supreme Court explains when the property owner escapes liability.
Contempt of Court: Interpreting Restraining Orders and the Limits of Enforcement
The Supreme Court clarifies when a TRO binds government agencies and what acts constitute contempt in agrarian reform cases.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Intent Determines Drug Sale Convictions
The Supreme Court explains the key difference between entrapment and instigation in drug cases, and why intent matters.
Falsification and Probable Cause: Protecting Individuals From Baseless Criminal Charges
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may review prosecutors' findings and what probable cause requires in falsification cases.
Claims Against a Deceased's Estate: Quasi-Contracts and Rule 86 Explained
When must a claim against a deceased person's estate be filed in estate settlement proceedings? The Supreme Court clarifies in Metrobank v. Absolute Management.
Mortgage on Condominium Land Void Without HLURB Approval: PBCom v. Pridisons
Supreme Court rules mortgages on land intended for condominium projects need HLURB approval under PD 957, protecting buyers over banks.
Challenging Drug Convictions: How Chain of Custody Affects Illegal Possession Cases
The Supreme Court explains when lapses in the chain of custody of seized drugs can—and cannot—overturn a conviction for illegal possession of shabu.
Corporate Dissolution and Intra-Corporate Disputes: Preserving Stockholder Rights
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporate dissolution does not extinguish intra-corporate disputes or the rights of stockholders to pursue them.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Defining the Boundaries of Drug Law Enforcement in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug buy-bust operations, and why it matters.
Support Pendente Lite Orders Are Interlocutory: When Can They Be Appealed?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that support pendente lite orders are interlocutory and not appealable, explaining the proper remedy under Rule 65.
Falsification of Documents: Probable Cause and Presumptions of Regularity
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when allegations of falsification are enough to warrant prosecution, and the weight given to notarized documents.
When a Drug Sale Isn't a Sale: Payment Must Be Completed for Conviction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal drug sale requires actual payment, not just delivery. Learn the key elements and why possession still leads to conviction.
Disqualification of Candidates: COMELEC’s Authority and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court nullified COMELEC’s disqualification of a candidate, ruling the en banc acted without jurisdiction and violated due process.
Hierarchy of Courts: Direct Filing of Certiorari, Prohibition, and Mandamus to the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismisses a direct petition for certiorari, prohibition, and mandamus, reaffirming the strict policy on the hierarchy of courts.
Breaking the Chain: How Election Protests Can Interrupt the Three-Term Limit
The Supreme Court clarifies when an election protest breaks the three-term limit rule for local officials, using Mayor Abundo's case.