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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Insurance Policy Interpretation: Earthquake Shock Coverage Limited to Specified Properties
Supreme Court rules earthquake shock coverage under an insurance policy extends only to properties specifically listed and premium-paid, not all insured items.
IBP Dues: Why Non-Practicing Lawyers Must Still Pay Membership Fees
The Supreme Court rules that IBP membership dues are mandatory for all lawyers, regardless of active practice status.
Water Rights and Timely Protests: Preserving Order in Water Resource Allocation
The Supreme Court rules that belated protests to water permit applications cannot defeat rights already granted under the Water Code.
Partition Ends Co-Ownership: Mortgage on Divided Property Valid
Supreme Court rules that a deed of partial partition ends co-ownership, making a subsequent mortgage on an adjudicated property valid without other heirs' consent.
Double Jeopardy and Amendment of Information: Protecting Accused Rights After Conviction
Supreme Court rules on double jeopardy when prosecution tries to amend information after conviction and probation application.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Due Process Prevails: Substantial Amendment to Information Requires New Preliminary Investigation
Supreme Court rules substantial amendments to criminal informations require new preliminary investigation to protect accused's due process rights.
CBA Separation Pay for Voluntary Resignation: When Contractual Stipulations Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a CBA can grant separation pay to voluntarily resigning employees, even if the Labor Code does not require it.
Untimely Appeals and Water Rights: When Courts, Not Agencies, Decide Land Conversion Disputes
A water district's injunction suit against illegal well operators belongs in regular courts, not the Water Council, the Supreme Court rules.
Insurance Companies Not Taxable as Lending Investors: CIR v. PHILAM Companies
Supreme Court rules insurance companies are not "lending investors" under the NIRC, clarifying tax obligations for lending activities.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Church Authority vs Civil Courts: Defining the Boundaries of Religious Freedom in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules civil courts cannot interfere in church expulsions, upholding religious freedom and ecclesiastical autonomy.
Retirement Pay Disputes: Reconciling Vouchers and Clearances in Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on separation pay for validly dismissed employees, balancing social justice with employer trust and confidence standards.
Ombudsman’s Power to Appoint vs CSC Rules: The Graft Investigation Officer III Case
The Supreme Court rules that the Ombudsman’s appointees to highly technical positions need not secure CES eligibility to gain permanency.
Judge's Negligence Over Court Funds: Fiscal Accountability and Retirement Benefits
Supreme Court rules on judge's liability for missing cash bonds and court fund shortages, emphasizing fiscal accountability and command responsibility.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Ensuring Fair Allocation of Incremental Proceeds
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how to compute incremental proceeds from tuition fee increases for employee benefits under RA 6728.
Can a Voided Municipality Be Revived? Lessons from Andong, Lanao del Sur
The Supreme Court rules that a municipality voided in Pelaez cannot be revived without legislative action, even if it claims to exist.
Upholding Accountability Consequences FOR Habitual Absenteeism IN Public Service
The Supreme Court rules on habitual absenteeism in public service, clarifying penalties, AWOL rules, and mitigating circumstances.
Contractual Intent Prevails Interpreting Interest Rates in Loan Agreements Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how courts interpret interest rates in loan agreements, emphasizing that clear contractual terms prevail over alleged intent.
Full Customs Duty Payment Bars Forfeiture Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules that full payment of customs duties and taxes terminates importation, preventing forfeiture despite procedural irregularities in shipment transfer.
Dismissal of Appeal Due to Attorney Negligence: Balancing Client Rights and Procedural Rules
The Supreme Court rules that counsel's negligence binds the client, and litigants must actively monitor case progress.
CHR Fiscal Autonomy: DBM Approval Needed for Staffing Changes
Supreme Court rules CHR lacks fiscal autonomy and cannot upgrade or create positions without DBM approval under the Salary Standardization Law.
Forum Shopping Certification in Labor Cases: Substantial Compliance Protects Workers' Rights
Supreme Court rules substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification suffices in labor cases, protecting workers from technical dismissal.
Estoppel in Questioning Jurisdiction: Participating in Trial Bars Later Challenges
The Supreme Court rules that a party who actively participates in trial and seeks affirmative relief is estopped from questioning the court's jurisdiction on appeal.