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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Prescription and Marital Consent: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on how prescription and laches can bar claims over conjugal property sold without the wife's consent.
Separation Pay for Validly Dismissed Employees: The Quiambao Ruling on Social Justice Limits
Supreme Court clarifies when validly dismissed employees may receive separation pay, balancing social justice against employer rights.
Mortgage Foreclosure Rights Prevail When Preliminary Injunction Lacks Legal Basis
Supreme Court nullifies preliminary injunction blocking bank foreclosure, ruling debtors' failure to show clear right constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Double Dipping Denied: Separation Pay vs Retirement Benefits in Government Restructuring
Supreme Court rules NPC employees who received separation pay under EPIRA cannot also claim retirement benefits under CA 186, as amended.
LLDA's Implied Power to Impose Fines for Water Pollution Violations
Supreme Court affirms LLDA's implied power to impose daily fines for water pollution, citing its regulatory and quasi-judicial functions.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: CSC Jurisdiction Over Government Reorganization Disputes
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that dismissed government employees must first exhaust remedies before the CSC, not the courts.
When Is a Consignee Liable for Freight? The MOF v. Shin Yang Rule
A consignee named in a bill of lading is not automatically liable for freight charges. The Supreme Court explains when liability attaches.
MMDA Has No Power to Dismantle Billboards on MRT3 Private Property
Supreme Court ruling that MMDA cannot dismantle billboards on MRT3 structures, clarifying the agency's limited administrative powers under RA 7924.
Due Process in PEZA Registration Cancellation: What Fair Administrative Action Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies what due process means in PEZA registration cancellation cases, explaining the notice-and-hearing requirement for ecozone enterprises.
Upholding Judicial Independence: The Limits of CSC Authority Over Court Personnel
Supreme Court affirms only it can discipline court personnel, even in civil service exam anomalies.
Advertising Rights vs Public Authority: MMDA's Power Over MRT3 Advertisements
Supreme Court ruling on whether MMDA could dismantle billboards on MRT3, a private property under a build-lease-transfer agreement.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: PEZA Cancellation of Ecozone Registration Upheld
Supreme Court rules on due process and substantial evidence in administrative proceedings involving PEZA cancellation of ecozone enterprise registration.
Writ of Possession in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: No Certification Against Forum Shopping Required
Learn why the Supreme Court ruled that an ex parte petition for a writ of possession is not an initiatory pleading, so no certification against forum shopping is needed.
Taxpayers Have Standing to Question Government Contracts: Mamba v. Lara
The Supreme Court affirms that taxpayers can challenge government contracts involving public funds, even without being party to them.
Good Faith and Land Titles: Resolving Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court balances Torrens titles against good faith in ownership disputes, and why buyers must investigate suspicious circumstances.
Annulment of Judgment: Extrinsic Fraud and Due Diligence in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when annulment of judgment is available, emphasizing due diligence and the limits of extrinsic fraud claims.
VAT Refund on Capital Goods: Strict Rules on Depreciable Assets
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for VAT refund claims on capital goods, emphasizing proper accounting treatment as depreciable assets.
When Deceit and Misappropriation Tarnish Legal Practice: A Case on Attorney Disbarment
Learn how the Supreme Court disciplines lawyers who deceive clients and mishandle funds, and what this means for ethical practice.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
Good Faith vs Torrens Title Resolving Land Ownership Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a Torrens title or a deed of sale prevails in land possession disputes.
Corporate Officer vs Employee: Who Hears Illegal Dismissal Cases?
When is a dismissed executive a corporate officer or an employee? The Supreme Court clarifies which forum has jurisdiction.
Probable Cause Reassessment: When a Judge May Overturn a Prior Ruling on Arrest Warrants
A new presiding judge may reverse an earlier finding of no probable cause and order arrests, the Supreme Court ruled, clarifying the limits of judicial discretion.
Simulated Sales and Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Protecting Creditors Under Philippine Law
When debtors hide assets through fake sales to relatives, creditors can have those transfers voided. The Supreme Court explains how.
When Is a Statement an Admission? Lessons from a Prawn Feed Dispute
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a written statement counts as an admission and when corporate officers can be held personally liable.