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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Filing Securities Violation Cases: The SEC’s Primary Jurisdiction and the DOJ’s Role
Explaining Baviera v. Standard Chartered Bank: why securities violation complaints must start with the SEC, not the DOJ, under the primary jurisdiction doctrine.
Why Filing Securities Complaints with the Right Agency Matters: Baviera v. Standard Chartered Bank
A Supreme Court ruling on why securities fraud complaints must start with the SEC, and when courts can question a prosecutor's dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights Under the Boundary System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jeepney drivers under the boundary system, illegal dismissal, and employee rights to reinstatement and backwages.
Petition for Relief in the Court of Appeals: When Can You Revive a Dismissed Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the RTC cannot annul a DARAB decision and when the CA can take jurisdiction over a dismissed appeal.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When an Employer's Dismissal Is Justified
The Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing managerial employees based on loss of trust and confidence in Norsk Hydro v. Rosales.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Land Disputes in the Philippines: Why Clear Property Boundaries Are Crucial
A Supreme Court ruling on a Cabuyao land dispute shows why verifying property boundaries and prior titles is essential before buying land in the Philippines.
Protecting Judicial Integrity: Dismissal of Frivolous Disbarment Suits in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle frivolous disbarment suits and protect judicial integrity through procedural rules and ethical standards.
Judge Dismissed for Extramarital Affair: High Court Reinforces Judicial Morality Standards
Supreme Court dismisses judge for gross immorality over extramarital affair and child, suspends him from law practice for three years.
Homestead Rights vs Agrarian Reform: DARAB Jurisdiction in Philippine Land Disputes
When agrarian reform lands are reclassified, DARAB loses jurisdiction. Learn the rules on transfer restrictions and res judicata.
Understanding Qualified Rape and the Effect of RA 9346 on Death Penalty Cases
A Supreme Court ruling on incestuous rape clarifies qualified rape elements, victim credibility standards, and how RA 9346 converts death sentences to reclusion perpetua.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: When Creeks Change Course, Ownership Stays Put
Philippine courts uphold original property boundaries even when creeks are diverted. Learn how Pang-oden v. Leonen protects land titles.
DARAB Jurisdiction: Why Agrarian Disputes Over Joint Ventures Belong to the DAR
The Supreme Court clarifies that disputes over joint ventures on agrarian land fall under DARAB jurisdiction, not regular courts.
Solidary vs Ultimate Liability: Protecting Workers' Rights in Contracting Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability of principals and contractors under labor contracting arrangements.
Neglect of Duty in Public Service: Standards for Process Servers in the Philippines
The Supreme Court defines simple neglect of duty for process servers, emphasizing their vital role in the justice system and the penalties for failing to serve court processes diligently.
Who's the Boss? Determining Employer Liability in Labor-Only Contracting
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a principal employer becomes solidarily liable with a labor-only contractor for workers' claims.
Upholding Final Judgments THE Limits OF DAR Authority IN Land Conversion Disputes
Judicial Employee Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply Even Outside Official Duties
The Supreme Court holds court employees accountable for misconduct even in private acts, citing a process server's assault as a breach of judicial ethics.
Local Autonomy Prevails Defining Boundary Disputes Between Municipalities AND Highly Urbanized Cities
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that COSLAP lacks jurisdiction over LGU boundary disputes, which belong to sanggunians under the Local Government Code.
Agrarian Justice Delayed: Determining Just Compensation in Land Reform Cases
When should just compensation be valued—at land taking or payment? The Supreme Court clarifies in Meneses v. DAR.
Solidary Liability of Recruitment Agencies for Illegal Dismissal of Overseas Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local recruitment agencies remain solidarily liable for illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers.
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.
Surveyor Negligence and Contractual Breach: When Professionals Are Liable for Damages
A surveyor's negligent placement of boundary monuments led to a fence encroaching on a right of way. The Court explains liability for breach of contract.