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.
Judicial Accountability: Consequences of Negligence and Delay in Court Proceedings
Supreme Court penalizes a judge and court personnel for case delays, lost records, and false certificates of service, underscoring judicial accountability.
Legislative Inquiry vs Executive Privilege: The PCGG Testimony Case
The Supreme Court ruled PCGG officials must testify before Senate inquiries, striking down Section 4(b) of E.O. No. 1 as unconstitutional.
When Judges Must Step Aside: The Duty of Inhibition and Judicial Conduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges must inhibit from cases, avoid impropriety, and the limits of judicial conduct.
Consolidation of Cases: Efficiency and Prevention of Conflicting Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may consolidate related cases to avoid conflicting judgments, save time, and promote swift justice.
Protecting Subdivision Buyers: Contracts to Sell Must Be Registered
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that subdivision developers must register contracts to sell with the Register of Deeds under P.D. 957.
Bank Set-Off Rights: Limits and Liabilities in Loan Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when banks may validly offset deposits against loans, and the limits of contractual set-off rights.
Land Reclassification and Agrarian Reform: When Agricultural Land Stops Being Covered by CARL
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how land reclassified as commercial before CARL's effectivity falls outside agrarian reform coverage.
Agricultural Land Reclassification: Continued Use Does Not Override Prior Conversion
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior land reclassification to commercial use affects agrarian reform coverage and tenant rights.
Upholding Employee Rights: Just Cause and Union Security in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on closed-shop dismissals: substantive due process still applies even when a CBA mandates termination.
Forcible Entry: Actual Possession Trumps Claimed Ownership in Property Disputes
In forcible entry cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—decides who stays. The Supreme Court explains why a deed alone is not enough.
When Is Employee Termination Illegal? Key Rules from a Supreme Court Ruling
Learn when termination becomes illegal under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on unjustified dismissal and procedural lapses.
When a Zero Tax Bill Still Means Exemption: PAL’s Franchise Tax Win Explained
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL’s franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, even when its chosen tax liability is zero.
Tax Exemptions for Philippine Airlines: Understanding the "In Lieu of All Other Taxes" Provision
The Supreme Court ruled that PAL's franchise tax option exempts it from all other taxes, including the 20% final withholding tax on bank deposits.
Security Deposits of Insurance Firms Shielded From Individual Claims Preserving Solvency FOR ALL Policyholders
Supreme Court rules insurance security deposits cannot be garnished by single claimants, protecting all policyholders' interests.
Breach of Trust Ownership of Club Shares and Fiduciary Duties in Philippine Law
When a club share is transferred temporarily, a trust is created. The Supreme Court explains ownership, fiduciary duties, and the rules on implied trusts in Philippine law.
Negligence and Quasi-Delict: When Overtaking on the Shoulder Makes You Liable
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability of vehicle owners in traffic accidents under Philippine law.
Separate Crimes for Separate Drugs: Possessing Shabu and Marijuana Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: possessing shabu and marijuana at the same time and place constitutes two separate crimes, requiring two separate Informations.
Presidential Approval and Contract Validity: Limits of Executive Power in Philippine Procurement
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when presidential approval is required for government contracts and the limits of executive discretion in procurement.
Balancing Right to Work and Employer Prerogative: Absences and Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when excessive absences justify dismissal, emphasizing proportional penalties and employer burden of proof.
When the Government Must Prove Its Case: Reversion, Free Patents, and the Regalian Doctrine
A Supreme Court ruling on when the government can cancel a free patent and revert land to the public domain.
CARP Coverage and Tenancy: Resolving Land Disputes Amidst Conflicting Claims and Vested Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending DARAB tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and CARP coverage.
Reversion Suits: When the State Must Prove Forest Land Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the State's burden in reversion cases, protecting vested rights over land titles issued before forest classification.
Self-Defense vs Treachery: When Killing Is Murder in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder. Learn the legal rules.
Injunctive Relief and Status Quo in Foreclosure Disputes: The Dela Cruz Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how pending agrarian tenancy cases affect forcible entry jurisdiction and the principle of status quo.