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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Just Compensation Land Valuation Under Agrarian Reform Requires Independent Judicial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial courts must independently determine just compensation in agrarian reform cases, not merely adopt DARAB valuations.
Habeas Corpus for Child Custody: What the Supreme Court Requires
The Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus in child custody cases requires a full trial to determine the child's best interests, not just the child's production in court.
Upholding Foreclosure Validity When Technicalities Yield to Substantial Compliance
Supreme Court clarifies that minor defects in posting certificates don't invalidate extrajudicial foreclosure when publication and notice requirements are substantially met.
Foreclosure Notice Requirements: BPI v. Puzon on Posting, Publication, and Presumption of Regularity
Supreme Court clarifies notice requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure, upholding sale where publication was made and presumption of regularity applied.
Insubordination vs Humane Consideration: Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo clarifies when insubordination and loss of confidence justify dismissal.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying RA 6657 Valuation Principles
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Premature Campaigning: The Fine Line Between Aspiring and Declared Candidacy in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when a person becomes a candidate for election law purposes, and what this means for premature campaigning rules.
Positive Identification Prevails Over Alibi in Philippine Murder Conviction
How the Supreme Court affirmed a murder conviction, ruling that credible eyewitness identification outweighs the inherently weak defense of alibi.
Ejectment Cases: When Courts May Admit Evidence Not in the Pleadings
Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit evidence not raised in pleadings, and how prior titles prevail in ejectment disputes.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Clear Terms Prevail Over External Claims
The Supreme Court affirms a rehabilitation plan over creditor objections and allows foreclosure of an accommodation mortgagor's property outside the stay order.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: When Owning Other Land Disqualifies a Landowner
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners covered by PD 27 may still be disqualified from retention rights under RA 6657.
Electric Cooperative Liable for Injuries from Uninsulated High-Voltage Wires
Philippine Supreme Court holds electric cooperative negligent for uninsulated high-voltage lines over a home, affirming damages for electrocution injuries.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Applying the Correct Valuation Method
The Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for lands acquired under RA 6657 must follow Section 17 factors and DAR AO No. 6, not PD No. 27.
Retention Rights Under Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Ownership and Social Justice
The Supreme Court clarifies when landowners can retain land under agrarian reform, applying restrictions from LOI 474 to RA 6657.
Supreme Court Clarifies Plaintiff's Duty to Set Case for Pre-Trial After Answer
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a case for failure to prosecute, clarifying that plaintiffs must promptly set cases for pre-trial after the last pleading is filed.
When a Transfer Becomes Constructive Dismissal: Limits on Management Prerogative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when an employee transfer crosses the line from valid management prerogative to constructive dismissal, requiring reinstatement and backwages.
Due Process, Jurisdiction, and Provisional Remedies in Philippine Criminal Law
A look at Villamor v. People on due process, jurisdiction, and provisional remedies in Philippine criminal procedure.
Negligence and Employer Liability in Vehicular Accidents: Res Ipsa Loquitur Explained
When a bus collides with a jeepney at a highway intersection, who is at fault? The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur and employer liability.
Electric Cooperative's Negligence in Power Line Installation: Proximate Cause Ruling
Supreme Court affirms liability of electric cooperative for electrocution injuries, applying proximate cause and foreseeability tests in negligence cases.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Valuing Land Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation for agrarian reform lands should be determined under RA 6657, not PD 27.
Contractual Obligations: Interpreting Intent and the Parol Evidence Rule in Loan Agreements
When a loan agreement's terms are clear, courts enforce the written word—not verbal promises. The Supreme Court explains why in Norton Resources v. All Asia Bank.
St. Luke's v. Fadrigo: Loss of Trust and Confidence Needs Substantial Evidence
In St. Luke's Medical Center v. Fadrigo, the Supreme Court rules that dismissal for breach of trust must rest on substantial evidence.
Res Ipsa Loquitur and Proximate Cause in Philippine Electric Accident Cases
How the Supreme Court applied res ipsa loquitur and proximate cause principles to hold an electric cooperative liable for electrocution injuries.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Res Ipsa Loquitur Applies in Vehicle Accidents
A Supreme Court ruling explains how traffic violations like illegal overtaking establish negligence, and when res ipsa loquitur applies.