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.
Beyond the Letter: Protecting Employee Rights and Personal Choices in Workplace Morality
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land transfers, void contracts, and the limits of workplace morality enforcement.
NCIP Jurisdiction: Protecting Indigenous Rights vs. Rights of Non-Indigenous Parties
The Supreme Court clarifies when the NCIP has jurisdiction over disputes involving indigenous peoples and non-indigenous parties under IPRA.
Redundancy Dismissals: Strict Compliance With Labor Code Imperative
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies strict requirements for valid redundancy termination, including mandatory DOLE notice and fair selection criteria.
Real Party in Interest and Property Disputes: Standing to Sue Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine who may sue in property cases, with insights from Lexber v. Dalman on standing and rehabilitation.
Dismissal of Clerk of Court for Gross Neglect, Grave Misconduct, and Serious Dishonesty in Handling Judiciary
Supreme Court dismisses a clerk of court who failed to remit judiciary collections and submit financial reports, ruling that restitution does not erase administrative liability.
When Public Interest Meets Private Contracts: The SM Land v. BCDA Ruling on Development Projects
The Supreme Court ruled that government agencies cannot cancel accepted unsolicited proposals by invoking public interest, upholding contractual obligations.
Attorney Suspended for Misusing Client Funds and Negligence in Title Transfer
A lawyer's two-year suspension for mishandling client funds and negligence in property title transfer, and the ethical rules violated.
Judicial Accountability: Supreme Court Sanctions Judge for Grave Misconduct and Abuse of Authority
Supreme Court holds judge liable for grave abuse of authority, misconduct, and insubordination despite his resignation, affirming judicial accountability.
When Labor Officials Cannot Appeal: The Real Party-in-Interest Rule
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that quasi-judicial officers like the Labor Secretary cannot appeal adverse appellate decisions, reinforcing judicial detachment.
Judicial Independence: No CSC Clearance Required for Retiring Judiciary Employees
The Supreme Court rules that retiring judiciary employees need not secure CSC clearance for administrative cases, upholding judicial independence.
Regulated vs. Prohibited Goods: The Limits of Agency Discretion in Customs Seizures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when customs authorities may hold seized goods and the distinction between regulated and prohibited imports.
Finality of Judgments: Repeated Motions for Reconsideration in Administrative Cases
Supreme Court warns against filing repeated motions for reconsideration in administrative cases, affirming the doctrine of finality of judgments.
When Can Government Agencies Represent Themselves? The Solicitor General's Exclusive Mandate
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling in Republic v. Cuizon on when government agencies may appear in court without the Solicitor General.
Redemption Rights Upheld: SSS Bound by Repurchase Agreement Despite Procedural Lapses
Supreme Court rules SSS must honor deed of conditional sale for foreclosed property, despite expired redemption period and internal procedural lapses.
Court Cash Clerk Dismissed for Dishonesty and Misconduct in Handling Judiciary Funds
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of court cash clerk for misappropriating judiciary funds through falsified official receipts, citing public trust principles.
Defining Manager Expands Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases Involving Government Owned Corporations
Supreme Court clarifies that narrowly, citing a dictionary definition that referred to one who has charge of a corporation and control of its businesses or branch establishments. The Supreme Court, ho
Tax Exemption for Government Instrumentalities: Defining the Scope of Real Property Tax Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government entity is exempt from real property tax, distinguishing instrumentalities from GOCCs.
USAID Certification as Public Document: Admissibility and Proof in Philippine Law
Learn when foreign agency certifications are public documents admissible without authentication, and how courts treat them as prima facie evidence.
Automated Elections Public Bidding vs Comelec Discretion in Purchasing the AES for the 2013 Elections
Supreme Court upholds Comelec's exercise of option to purchase PCOS machines for 2013 elections, ruling no new public bidding was required.
When Void Government Contracts Still Get Paid: Quantum Meruit Explained
Philippine Supreme Court explains when contractors can recover payment for void government contracts through quantum meruit, citing DPWH v. Quiwa.
Census Is King: Priority Rights Yield to Actual Occupancy in Philippine Housing Projects
In ZIP housing projects, the official census and tagging determine who gets the lot—not priority certificates or prior possession claims.
Double Land Titles in the Philippines: How to Determine Ownership and Avoid Legal Battles
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double land titles, verify true ownership, and prevent property disputes with practical legal guidance.
Overpricing and Accountability: The COA's Role in Ensuring Prudent Government Spending
How the Commission on Audit ensures prudent government spending, and what the Supreme Court says about overpricing and public accountability.
When Can Government Agencies Be Sued? The ATO Case on Tax and Sovereign Immunity
Explaining when Philippine government agencies can be sued, using the Air Transportation Office case on property tax disputes.