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.
Prohibition Denied When Government Contracts Become Fait Accompli
Supreme Court rules prohibition cannot stop an already completed government contract, and clarifies legal standing rules for citizen suits.
Logbook Entries Alone Insufficient to Prove Illegal Dismissal of Seafarer
Supreme Court rules a vessel logbook entry alone cannot prove a seafarer's incompetence; employers must show substantial evidence for valid dismissal.
Stare Decisis and Employer Status in Labor Contracting Disputes
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis in labor contracting cases, reaffirming that Consolidated Building Maintenance, Inc. is a legitimate job contractor.
Due Process and the Right to Notice: Protecting Fair Legal Proceedings
When a government agency fails to notify a party of an adverse decision, it violates due process and voids the ruling.
Reclaimed Lands and Constitutional Limits: The Central Bay Case on Corporate Land Ownership
The Supreme Court voids a compromise agreement transferring reclaimed land to a private corporation's assignee, upholding constitutional bans on corporate land ownership.
Protecting Land Titles: Collateral Attacks on Torrens Certificates in Property Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court protects Torrens titles from collateral attacks in property disputes, and what this means for landowners facing title challenges.
Attorney's Fees in Estate Proceedings: When Docket Fees Are Not Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers claiming fees from an estate need not pay separate docket fees, and when certiorari is proper.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
Cockfighting Law: When Local Officials Can Hold Events Outside Licensed Cockpits
Supreme Court clarifies when cockfights may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449, and the limits of Ombudsman discretion.
Hierarchy of Courts in Certiorari Petitions: Lessons from Nacionales v. Solde-Annogui
The Supreme Court reaffirms the hierarchy of courts doctrine, requiring certiorari petitions to start at the RTC, not the High Court.
Cockfighting Regulations in the Philippines: The Bonghanoy Ruling on PD 449
The Supreme Court's Bonghanoy ruling clarifies when cockfighting events for tourists and balikbayans may be held outside licensed cockpits under PD 449.
Writs of Possession in Extrajudicial Foreclosures: What Borrowers Should Know
Learn when courts must issue writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure, the limited exceptions, and the proper remedies for borrowers.
Understanding the Limits of Preliminary Investigations in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when an acquittal is final and how double jeopardy protects accused persons from repeated prosecution.
Understanding Interest on Final Judgments: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Professionals
The Supreme Court clarifies when legal interest begins to run on final money judgments against government agencies, protecting property owners' rights.
Understanding Probable Cause: Judicial vs Executive Determinations in Customs Violations
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between executive and judicial probable cause in customs cases, and when courts may overturn prosecutors' findings.
Navigating the Jurisdictional Maze: Proper Legal Remedies for COA Decisions in the Philippines
Understand the proper legal remedies for COA decisions in the Philippines, including jurisdictional rules and practical guidance for aggrieved parties.
Understanding CNA Benefits: Who Qualifies and the Consequences of Misallocation
The Supreme Court clarifies CNA incentive eligibility and the liability for granting benefits to non-qualified employees.
Understanding Hold Departure Orders and the Right to Travel in Philippine Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains when courts may issue hold departure orders and how bail affects an accused person's right to travel.
Understanding the Limits of Injunctive Relief in Bank Liquidation: A Philippine Perspective
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts may—and may not—issue injunctions against the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas during bank liquidation proceedings.
Election Protest Costs: The Supreme Court Ruling on Retention Fees for Election Equipment
The Supreme Court explains why the Senate Electoral Tribunal cannot rule on contract validity in election protest cost disputes.
Probable Cause and Syndicated Estafa: Key Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause, syndicated estafa, and conspiracy in Debuque v. Nilson, a landmark ruling on criminal procedure.
Falsification and Concealment in Public Office: The Jalandoni Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the thin line between authorized delegation and criminal tampering of public documents by public officers.