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: Balancing Land Valuation Factors
The Supreme Court explains how courts balance CNI, CS, and MV factors in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Proper Documentation Matters: When Belated Birth Registration Fails in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court nullified a correction of birth date in police service records for lack of indispensable parties and weak evidence. Learn the rules.
Due Process Prevails: Protecting the Rights of Unheard Parties in Property Disputes
A property buyer not impleaded in a prior case cannot be bound by its ruling. The Supreme Court affirms the right to due process in separate actions.
Substantial Compliance in Appointing Commissioners for Just Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies when appointing a committee instead of individual commissioners in expropriation cases amounts to substantial compliance with Rule 67.
Rehabilitation Over Liquidation: Protecting Corporate Viability in Financial Distress
The Supreme Court affirms that corporate rehabilitation, not liquidation, is preferred when a distressed firm can be revived and creditors remain protected.
Project Employees and Voluntary Resignation: Lessons from D.M. Consunji v. Bello
When does a project employee become regular, and what proves voluntary resignation? The Supreme Court clarifies in D.M. Consunji v. Bello.
When Judges Err: Administrative Liability vs. Judicial Remedies in the Philippines
Supreme Court clarifies when judges face administrative sanctions for errors, misconduct, and delay in deciding cases, and when judicial remedies apply instead.
Voluntary Resignation Defense in Illegal Dismissal Cases: The Burden on Employers
When can an employer rely on a resignation letter? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof in illegal dismissal cases involving claims of voluntary resignation.
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.
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.
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.
Outsourcing and Union Rights: Balancing Business Prerogative with Collective Bargaining Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies when banks may outsource functions without violating union rights or the CBA in BPI Employees Union v. BPI.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Three-Day Rule: Strict Compliance for Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court affirms strict three-day post-employment medical exam rule for seafarers claiming disability benefits; failure forfeits claims.
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.
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.
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.
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.