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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Moral Conduct Standards FOR Court Employees Maintaining Judicial Integrity
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Clarifying DARAB's Role in CLOA Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction in CLOA disputes, distinguishing agrarian disputes from administrative implementation of agrarian reform laws.
Court Personnel Accountability: Neglect of Duty and Insubordination by Process Servers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on process server negligence, insubordination, and the high standard of conduct required of court personnel.
Why Delayed and Irregular Decisions Cost This Government Lawyer His License
A DARAB adjudicator was suspended for six months for rendering an irregular decision without notice and hearing, violating due process and the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Establishing Agricultural Tenancy: Key Elements and Landowner Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the indispensable elements of agricultural tenancy and when courts, not DARAB, have jurisdiction over ejectment cases.
Livestock Lands Untouchable DAR A O NO 9 Declared Unconstitutional
Unearthing Liability When Treasure Hunts Lead to Tort Claims
A treasure hunt that damaged a chapel led to solidary liability for joint tortfeasors under Philippine law. Learn the rules.
Fair Market Value vs. Actual Use: Defining Real Property Tax Assessments in the Philippines
The Supreme Court strikes down a Quezon City ordinance that based real property tax on deed prices, reaffirming actual use and fair market value as the legal standards.
Upholding Ethical Standards Failure TO PAY Just Debts AS Administrative Offense IN THE Judiciary
Sheriffs Overreach Accepting Money FOR Bail Bonds AND THE Boundaries OF Official Conduct
Tourism Zones and Agrarian Reform: When Land Use Classifications Collide
The Supreme Court clarifies how tourist zone declarations affect agrarian reform coverage and the limits of appeal in DARAB cases.
Navigating Agrarian Disputes: DARAB Jurisdiction in CLOA Cancellation Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified DARAB's exclusive jurisdiction over CLOA cancellation and agrarian disputes in Lopez v. Romero.
Land Reclassification vs. Conversion: DAR Approval Still Required After CARL
The Supreme Court clarifies that local reclassification of agricultural land does not remove the need for DAR conversion approval under CARL.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Evidence Rules in Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost certificates of title, emphasizing that strict evidentiary standards must yield to practical realities.
Agrarian Reform: Balancing Landowner Rights and Tenant Security in Land Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that DARAB, not the Court of Appeals, must resolve agrarian disputes, and that identifying CARP beneficiaries is the Secretary of Agrarian Reform's job.
Free Speech vs Defamation: Safeguarding Radio Commentary Through Evidentiary Standards
Philippine jurisprudence balances free speech and defamation in radio commentary, requiring clear evidence before liability attaches to broadcasters.
Death Benefits for Seafarers: When the POEA Contract Does Not Apply
A seafarer's death benefits under the POEA Standard Contract require death during the contract term. Learn the limits from Hermogenes v. OSCO.
Salary Standardization Benefits: Only Incumbents as of July 1, 1989 Qualify
Supreme Court clarifies that RA 6758 salary standardization benefits apply only to employees who were incumbents as of July 1, 1989.
Bias Claims Against Judges: What Evidence Philippine Courts Require
Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving judicial bias and partiality in administrative complaints against Philippine judges.
Agrarian Reform Succession and Prescription: De Tumol v. Esguerra
The Supreme Court ruled that a daughter's claim to succeed her father's farmholding was barred by prescription and laches, upholding the DAR order favoring her brother.
Lawyer Advertising Balancing Professional Dignity With Public Access TO Legal Services
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between lawyer advertising and professional dignity, balancing public access to legal services with ethical standards.
Salary Standardization Act: The July 1, 1989 Cut-Off for Non-Integrated Benefits
Supreme Court clarifies that only incumbents as of July 1, 1989 may continue receiving non-integrated benefits like the NTA's Educational Assistance Incentive Bonus.
Jurisdictional Boundaries: Summons, Transfers, and Government Employee Reassignments
When does a court lack jurisdiction over a government official? This case clarifies summons rules and employee transfer remedies.
DNA Evidence Establishing Paternity in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms DNA paternity testing as admissible evidence, setting standards for probative value and the right against self-incrimination.