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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Court Employees Must Treat Lawyers With Respect and Courtesy, Supreme Court Rules
The Supreme Court reprimanded a court clerk for discourtesy after a heated exchange with a lawyer, stressing that public service demands courtesy and self-restraint.
Government Accountability Unauthorized Asset Sales and Recovery of Funds
The Supreme Court rules on the validity of unauthorized sales of sequestered assets and the government's obligation to return proceeds.
Midnight Appointments by Local Executives: What the Supreme Court Said
The Supreme Court rules on whether local executives can make midnight appointments before presidential elections, explaining the limits of the constitutional ban.
Sheriffs Duty Enforcing Court Orders Without Fear OR Delay
A sheriff who delays enforcing a writ for over a year and yields to threats is guilty of neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.
Bouncing Checks and the Importance of Written Notice: Domagsang v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court rules that a mere verbal demand is not enough to convict under the Anti-Bouncing Check Law—written notice of dishonor is required.
PAGCOR’s Authority Unveiled: Navigating the Limits of Gambling Franchises in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules PAGCOR’s franchise covers gambling casinos, not jai-alai. A landmark case on legislative franchises.
Land Classification and Agrarian Reform Zoning Maps Prevail Over Tax Declarations
Supreme Court rules zoning maps and land use plans, not tax declarations, determine CARP coverage. Learn the key principles.
Upholding Integrity in Public Service: Falsification of Time Records and the Strict Standard for Court Personn
The Supreme Court rules on falsified daily time records by a clerk of court, reinforcing strict integrity standards for judiciary personnel.
Lifting the Veil of Corporate Personality vs PCGG Sequestration Powers
The Supreme Court rules that sequestered corporations must be impleaded in judicial actions; suits against stockholders alone do not suffice.
When Can a Judge Notarize Documents? Supreme Court Rules on Ex-Officio Notaries
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a judge's power to notarize documents outside official duties, ruling on unauthorized notarization.
Lost Land Title? Strict Posting Rules Are Key to Reconstitution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules strict compliance with RA 26 posting requirements is jurisdictional in land title reconstitution cases.
Land Declared Public in Cadastral Case Cannot Be Registered by Voluntary Application
Supreme Court rules land declared public in cadastral proceedings cannot later be registered through voluntary application under P.D. 1529.
Prioritizing Assignment Rights: The Battle Over Promissory Notes in Trust Receipt Agreements
Supreme Court rules on competing claims over promissory notes under trust receipts and deeds of assignment, emphasizing proof and priority.
Upholding Statutory Intent: HDMF Rule-Making Power and Employee Benefit Exemptions
Supreme Court rules HDMF exceeded its authority by requiring both provident and housing plans for Pag-IBIG exemption.
Checks Issued as Guarantee Still Fall Under B.P. 22; Judge Suspended for Partiality
Supreme Court rules checks issued as guarantee are still covered by B.P. 22, and suspends a judge for partiality and gross ignorance of the law.
Equal Pay for Equal Work: When Hiring Origin Cannot Justify Wage Discrimination
Philippine Supreme Court rules that paying foreign-hire teachers more than local-hires for the same work violates equal pay for equal work.
Protecting Electoral Integrity: When Delaying Tactics in Election Protests Fail
The Supreme Court rules that dilatory motions in election protests undermine the will of voters and will not be countenanced.
Bad Faith Litigation: When Filing Suit Leads to Damages
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when filing an unfounded lawsuit constitutes bad faith, exposing litigants to moral and exemplary damages.
Ethical Conduct Dismissal for Misconduct Stands Despite Complainant's Forgiveness
Philippine Supreme Court rules that administrative cases against court employees continue despite complainant's forgiveness or withdrawal, upholding dismissal for grave misconduct.
Election Contests: Balancing Procedural Rules and the Will of the Electorate
The Supreme Court rules that technical rules on forum shopping should not defeat the people's choice in election contests.
Bouncing Checks Law: Valid Defense When Developer Fails to Complete Project
Supreme Court rules buyer's suspension of payments under PD 957 is valid defense against B.P. 22 bouncing checks charges.
Extending CBA Benefits Protecting Workers Rights Beyond Contract Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CBA economic provisions continue beyond expiration until a new agreement is reached, protecting worker benefits.
Oral Partition and Quitclaims Validating Heirs' Agreements Despite Formal Deficiencies
Philippine Supreme Court rules oral partition among heirs is valid, and notarized quitclaims confirming it are binding absent clear fraud.
Bank Negligence in Clearing Checks: When Depositors Escape Liability
Supreme Court rules banks must follow clearing rules before allowing withdrawals, holding BPI liable for its own negligence in counterfeit check case.