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.
Municipality Liability for Excavation Accidents on National Roads
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on municipal liability for injuries from road excavations, even on national roads under municipal control.
Business Closure vs Retrenchment: Defining Employers' Rights in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is valid, when it becomes illegal dismissal, and how quitclaims affect employee rights.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Judiciary Employees AND Public Decorum
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial employees' conduct, decorum, and accountability in Gonzales v. Gatcheco.
Preventive Suspension vs Disciplinary Suspension: Key Differences Explained
Understand the legal distinction between preventive and disciplinary suspension in Philippine administrative law, based on a 2005 Supreme Court ruling.
Local Governments Must Make a Valid Offer Before Expropriation
The Supreme Court nullified Pasig City's expropriation for failing to prove a valid, definite offer to the owner before filing the case.
Judicial Diligence: A Judge's Duty to Verify Records and Uphold Impartiality
The Supreme Court reminds judges to verify records and remain impartial, not merely rely on party submissions.
Eminent Domain and the Valid Offer Rule: Lessons from the Pasig Expropriation Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a local government must make a valid, definite offer before expropriating private property.
Certification of Non-Forum Shopping: Why One Co-Petitioner's Signature Is Not Enough
The Supreme Court explains why a certification of non-forum shopping signed by only one co-petitioner can get a case dismissed.
Jurisdiction vs Exercise of Jurisdiction: Upholding Court Authority Despite Procedural Errors
The Supreme Court clarifies that jurisdiction over labor cases persists despite procedural lapses, and rules on retirement age, CBA benefits, and tax refund claims.
Lawyer's Disrespect for Court and Staff Draws PHP 155,000 Fine Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting a court employee and defying IBP orders, showing lawyers' ethical duties persist.
Civil Liability Arising From Crime: Preserving the Right to Indemnification
A crime victim's reserved civil action for damages ex delicto survives even after the quasi-delict claim prescribes, the Supreme Court rules.
Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers: The Developer's Duty to Develop Under PD 957
Learn how the Supreme Court protects subdivision lot buyers, requiring developers to provide facilities and pay fair market value for breach.
Self-Defense in Sudden Attacks: What Soplente v. People Teaches About Unlawful Aggression
A Supreme Court ruling explains how courts should view self-defense claims in fast-moving, life-threatening encounters.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
VAT Exemption for Steam Supply: Protecting Taxpayers From Erroneous Payments
The Supreme Court ruled that geothermal steam sold to NPC is VAT-exempt, entitling the supplier to a full refund of erroneously paid taxes.
When a Spouse's Sale of Conjugal Property Without Consent Is Valid
The Supreme Court explains when a sale of conjugal property by one spouse without the other's consent stands, and when heirs can still demand partition.
Partnership Disputes: Absence of Formalities Does Not Negate Partnership Existence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a partnership may exist without formal documents, based on the parties' intent and conduct.
Due Process and Illegal Dismissal: Why Employers Bear the Burden of Proof in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies procedural rules on indispensable parties in illegal dismissal cases and the employer's burden of proof.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.
Reviving a Dissolved Management Committee: Limits on SEC Power and Shareholder Disputes
The Supreme Court explains when a special management committee can be revived and why certiorari is not the remedy for failed shareholder disputes.
Default Judgments Ensuring DUE Notice IN Philippine Legal Proceedings
Explaining how Philippine courts ensure due notice in default judgments, using a Supreme Court ruling on procedural fairness.
Agrarian Reform vs Mineral Rights: Resolving Land Use Conflicts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mineral lands are exempt from agrarian reform coverage, and the importance of procedural compliance.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.