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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Accountability Unbarred: Can Lawyers Face Discipline for Past Actions?
Supreme Court rules lawyers may face discipline for misconduct committed long ago, even after becoming judges or retiring.
Rape Conviction Stands Despite Initial Charge of Forcible Abduction
Supreme Court rules forcible abduction is absorbed in rape when the intent is carnal knowledge, affirming conviction.
Who Decides Plebiscite Disputes? COMELEC's Power to Annul Results
The Supreme Court rules that COMELEC has jurisdiction over plebiscite result disputes, not the RTC, in Buac v. COMELEC.
Good Faith No Defense: Falsifying PDS Justifies Dismissal of Court Employee
The Supreme Court rules that a court employee's false PDS entry warrants dismissal for dishonesty and falsification, rejecting good faith defenses.
Breach of Trust Justifies Dismissal: Employers' Right to Terminate Probationary Employment
Supreme Court rules dishonesty and breach of trust justify terminating a probationary employee before the six-month period ends.
Friar Lands Ownership and Due Process in Land Disputes: Alonso v. Cebu Country Club
The Supreme Court rules on friar lands ownership, due process, and reconstituted titles in a decades-long dispute over Cebu property.
Absence of Prior Appraisal Does Not Void Onerous Donation by Local Government
Supreme Court rules that a local government's onerous donation without prior appraisal is valid, applying contract law over procedural requirements.
Lenient Application of Procedural Rules Upholds Justice in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court rules courts may relax procedural rules to serve substantial justice, citing a 2003 agrarian case.
Safeguarding Impeachment Limits THE Supreme Court Upholds Constitutional Integrity Against Legislative Overrea
The Supreme Court rules on the one-year bar on impeachment, affirming judicial review over constitutional limits.
Affidavit Ambiguity in Manning Agency Liability: A Philippine Maritime Law Lesson
Philippine Supreme Court rules on how ambiguous affidavits of undertaking by manning agents should be interpreted in maritime claims.
Tax Exemptions in Special Economic Zones: Limits on Presidential Power
Supreme Court rules President cannot grant tax exemptions in special economic zones—only Congress can, under the Constitution.
Voter Registration Requirement for Barangay Candidates and COMELEC Due Process
The Supreme Court rules on mandatory voter registration for barangay candidates and due process requirements in COMELEC cancellation proceedings.
Lost Cargo Liability: Fire Does Not Excuse Common Carrier's Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court rules fire is not an exempting cause under the Civil Code, holding carriers liable for lost cargo.
When Is a Land Sale "Conveyed" for Repurchase? Notarial Deed Prevails
A notarized deed's date controls the five-year repurchase period under the Public Land Act, the Supreme Court rules.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Merits Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules, not technicalities, should govern labor dispute resolutions.
Wage Order Exemptions Limited to One Year Under NWPC Guidelines
Philippine Supreme Court rules wage order exemptions for distressed firms are non-extendable beyond one year under NWPC guidelines.
Right of Legal Redemption: Written Notice Is Mandatory for Adjoining Rural Landowners
Supreme Court rules written notice under Article 1623 is mandatory for legal redemption by adjoining rural landowners, not just a formality.
Perfected Contracts and Collateral Sharing Agreements: When a Promise Must Be Kept
The Supreme Court rules on when a collateral sharing agreement is perfected and binding, and why courts cannot compel parties to sign an inexistent contract.
Court of Appeals Erred in Dismissing Appeal Over Photocopied Annexes
Supreme Court rules photocopied annexes in Rule 43 appeals need not be certified true copies, only the assailed decision itself.
Gross Receipts Tax on Banks Includes Withheld Interest Income
Supreme Court rules the 20% final withholding tax on interest income forms part of a bank's gross receipts for gross receipts tax purposes.
Proving Smuggling Without the Seized Goods: Witness Testimony as Corpus Delicti
The Supreme Court rules that smuggling can be proven by credible witness testimony alone, even without presenting the seized contraband in court.
Local Governments vs National Corporations: Who Pays Franchise Taxes
Supreme Court rules government-owned corporations like NPC must pay local franchise taxes under the Local Government Code.
Upholding Duty Accountability for Court Personnel in Handling Evidence
Supreme Court rules on clerk of court's liability for delayed deposit of cash bond, affirming accountability standards for court personnel.
Court Employee's Immorality Case: When a "Kasunduan" Cannot Justify an Affair
Philippine Supreme Court rules a court employee's illicit relationship violates conduct standards, despite a private "Kasunduan" allowing separation.