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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Union Legitimacy Protecting Workers Rights To Organize Despite Technicalities
The Supreme Court protects workers' right to organize, ruling that minor documentation issues and mixed membership do not invalidate a union's legitimacy.
Renewed Policies, Renewed Taxes: DST on Life Insurance Increases
Supreme Court rules documentary stamp tax applies to renewed life insurance policies and additional group members, not just original issuance.
Land Registration: Proving Ownership and Possession for Public Land Titles
Learn the strict requirements for registering public land under PD 1529, including proof of possession since June 12, 1945.
Employer Liability for Employee Negligence: Proving Due Diligence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability for employee negligence and the burden of proving due diligence in labor cases.
Mortgage Obligations and Appeal Rights in Real Estate Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on mortgage obligations, appeal periods, and writs of execution in a dispute between borrowers and PNB.
Pre-CARL Land Reclassification Shielding Property From Agrarian Reform
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when municipal reclassification of land before the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law exempts property from coverage.
Executive Judge Powers: Limits on Reassigning Court Personnel to Other Roles
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that executive judges cannot indefinitely reassign court personnel to duties outside their job description.
Alibi Cannot Overcome a Child Victim's Positive Identification: Lessons from People v. Jacinto
The Supreme Court in People v. Jacinto affirmed a child rape conviction, ruling that alibi cannot prevail over the victim's positive identification and clarifying juvenile sentencing.
Good Faith No Defense for Sheriff Who Collected Execution Fees Without Court Approval
Philippine Supreme Court holds sheriff liable for grave misconduct, dishonesty, and neglect of duty for collecting execution expenses without prior court approval.
Punctuality in Public Service: Sanctions for Habitual Tardiness in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court reiterates that habitual tardiness violates the constitutional canon that public office is a public trust, imposing suspensions and reprimands on erring employees.
PAGCOR's Evolving Tax Status: Navigating Exemptions and Constitutional Limits
The Supreme Court clarifies PAGCOR's tax liability under RA 9337—subject to income tax but exempt from VAT.
Upholding Drug Sale Conviction: Integrity of Evidence and Due Process
Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, ruling that minor lapses in Section 21 procedures do not automatically render seized drugs inadmissible.
Buy-Bust Operations and Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: People v. Soriaga
The Supreme Court explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling do not automatically mean acquittal in People v. Soriaga.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Chain of Custody: Ensuring Integrity in Drug Cases
A Supreme Court ruling explains why minor lapses in drug evidence handling don't automatically mean acquittal in buy-bust cases.
Dying Declarations and Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions
A Supreme Court ruling on murder clarifies dying declarations, abuse of superior strength, and damages in criminal cases.
The Weight of a Dying Declaration in Affirming a Murder Conviction
The Supreme Court explains when a victim's dying words naming an assailant are admissible and sufficient to affirm a murder conviction.
Land Bank's Authority to Seek Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform Cases
Supreme Court affirms Land Bank's legal personality to file just compensation cases before the Special Agrarian Court, independent of DAR.
Judicial Propriety and Impartiality: Lessons from a Family Court Judge’s Administrative Case
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges to avoid impropriety, intemperate language, and bias in the discharge of judicial duties.
Battling Court Delays: What to Do When Justice Is Slow, Lessons From Bacolot v. Paño
A judge's two-year delay in resolving a motion draws administrative sanction. Learn the rules on judicial delay and your remedies.
Understanding Land Ownership Restrictions Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: The Lebrudo vs Loyola Case
The Supreme Court explains the 10-year ban on selling or transferring agrarian reform lands, and why waivers violating it are void.
When Refusing a Boss's Order Is Not Willful Disobedience: Lores Realty v. Pacia
Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes willful disobedience under Article 282 of the Labor Code and when an employee's refusal is justified.
Land Bank's Right to Sue for Just Compensation in Agrarian Cases
Supreme Court affirms Land Bank's legal personality to file petitions for just compensation determination before Special Agrarian Courts.
When Quitclaims and Waivers Over Agrarian Land Are Void: Lessons from Lebrudo v. Loyola
Philippine Supreme Court explains when waivers over agrarian reform land are void, protecting farmer-beneficiaries from losing their awarded property.
When a Taxi Driver's Negligence Makes the Company Pay for a Passenger's Death
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a transport company is liable for a passenger's death caused by its driver's negligence.