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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Justice Delayed IS Justice Denied Upholding Timely Disposition OF Cases IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules on illegal dismissal, retirement age, and the importance of timely case disposition in Ondevilla v. Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
Government Employees Strict Adherence TO Budgetary Laws Required FOR Salary Increases
Supreme Court rules government agencies must follow prescribed schedules for salary increases, affirming COA disallowances for premature payments.
When Landowners Admit Tenancy: Consent and the Right of Redemption Under RA 3844
The Supreme Court rules on how a landowner's admission of tenancy can establish a tenant's right of redemption under the Agricultural Land Reform Code.
Fraud in Free Patent Application Makes Land Title Voidable: Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a free patent obtained through fraud and misrepresentation is voidable, protecting co-owners' rights.
COA Oversight and Private Auditors in Government Banks: The DBP Case
Supreme Court rules COA audit power over government banks is not exclusive; private external auditors may conduct concurrent audits.
Double Jeopardy and Modification of Criminal Penalties: Protecting the Accused
The Supreme Court rules that courts cannot increase a convicted person's penalty on the prosecution's motion, citing double jeopardy protections.
Abandonment of Property Justifies Rescission of Real Estate Contract
Supreme Court rules buyer's abandonment and non-payment of amortizations justify rescission of contract to sell, despite developer's alleged breaches.
Moral Turpitude and Bouncing Checks: Disqualifying Election Candidates in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules that conviction for violation of B.P. Blg. 22 (Bouncing Checks Law) involves moral turpitude, disqualifying candidates from public office.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay Computation
Supreme Court rules a designated Acting Secretary's higher salary, even for one day, determines terminal leave pay basis.
Acting Secretary's One-Day Salary Counts for Terminal Leave Pay
Supreme Court rules that a government official's terminal leave pay must be computed using the highest salary received, including pay from an acting appointment.
Prescription Period Bars Attorney's Fee Collection After Six Years
Supreme Court rules lawyers have six years to collect fees under oral contracts; failure to timely file bars the claim.
Double Jeopardy Bars Prosecution Appeal to Increase Penalty After Conviction
Philippine Supreme Court rules prosecution cannot appeal to increase a convicted accused's penalty—doing so violates the constitutional right against double jeopardy.
Premature Execution Judgment Required Before Enforcing Court Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a writ of execution requires a final judgment, voiding premature enforcement in David v. Velasco.
Bank Liability for Premature Foreclosure and Dishonored Deposits
When can a bank be liable for damages? The Supreme Court rules on premature foreclosure, dishonored checks, and bad faith.
Upholding Workplace Conduct: Carrying Firearms in the Hall of Justice and Employee Rights
The Supreme Court rules on a court employee carrying a firearm in the Hall of Justice, finding misconduct and oppression while protecting employee rights.
Land Registration Prior Title Prevails Despite Subsequent Nullification
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a land registration application filed while an outstanding Torrens title exists is invalid, even if that title is later nullified.
Cancellation of Bail: Absence of Counsel Is Not a Ground for Detention
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a judge cannot cancel bail or order detention solely because the accused's counsel failed to appear at a hearing.
Notice to Counsel Counts for Appeal Deadlines in NLRC Cases
Supreme Court rules that receipt of NLRC resolution by counsel, not the party, starts the 60-day period for filing certiorari with the Court of Appeals.
Demolition Orders Require Due Hearing Protecting Property Rights in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court rules judges must hold a hearing before issuing demolition orders in ejectment cases, protecting property rights.
Upholding Substantial Justice Over Technicalities in Labor Appeals
Philippine Supreme Court rules labor appeals should not be dismissed on mere technicalities when there is substantial compliance with procedural rules.
Raffle Promotions: When Overdue Accounts Disqualify Prize Winners
Supreme Court rules on when overdue accounts can forfeit raffle prizes in Mondragon International Philippines v. Blanco.
Academic Freedom vs Civil Service Rules: UP Wins Faculty Retention Case
Supreme Court rules UP's academic freedom lets it retain a professor despite AWOL, overriding CSC's automatic separation directive.
Habeas Corpus Cannot Free Undocumented Alien with Tampered Passport
Supreme Court rules habeas corpus cannot be issued when BID has validly ordered deportation of an alien found using a tampered, cancelled passport.
Speedy Trial Rights: Government Delay Leads to Dismissal of Falsification Charges
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan must dismiss falsification cases after Ombudsman's decade-long delay violated petitioner's constitutional right to speedy disposition.