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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Vested Mining Rights Prevail Protecting Claims Under THE Philippine Bill OF 1902
The Supreme Court rules that mining patents issued under the Philippine Bill of 1902 are vested rights that cannot be impaired by later laws or agreements.
Mining Rights and State Control: Resolving Disputes in the Diwalwal Gold Rush Area
The Supreme Court rules on the Diwalwal gold rush dispute, clarifying state control over mineral resources and the roles of mining regulatory bodies.
Election Controversies Determining Jurisdiction In Proxy Validation Disputes
When a proxy dispute affects director elections, regular courts—not the SEC—have jurisdiction. Learn the rule from this case.
When Court Personnel Fail: Accountability for Negligence in Duty
Examining accountability standards for court personnel who fail in their duties, and the consequences of negligence in the Philippine judicial system.
Credibility of Child Testimony in Rape Cases: When Doubt Leads to Acquittal
The Supreme Court acquitted a rape accused due to reasonable doubt, examining how courts must scrutinize child testimony and prosecution evidence.
Contractual Breach Understanding Rescission Rights IN Mining Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a mining operating agreement may be validly rescinded for breach under Article 1191 of the Civil Code.
Credible Testimony Alone Sufficient FOR Rape Conviction Examining Standards OF Evidence
Finality of Judgments in Mining Permit Disputes: Stability Over Relitigation
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory decisions in mining disputes cannot be relitigated, upholding the doctrine of immutability of judgment.
Demand Is Key: Determining the Prescription Period for Unlawful Detainer in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not from the date of non-payment.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Land Valuation Factors
The Supreme Court explains how courts balance CNI, CS, and MV factors in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Piercing the Veil: Determining Employer Status in Labor Disputes
When is a manpower agency a mere labor-only contractor? The Supreme Court clarifies the test for true employer status in labor disputes.
Heirship Disputes Must Be Resolved in Special Proceedings, Not Ordinary Civil Actions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that determining legal heirs requires a special proceeding, not an ordinary action for reconveyance.
Delayed Justice Determining Fair Compensation FOR Government Land Seizure
When the government takes property without expropriation, what value controls? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on just compensation.
Parental Authority VS Childs Rights Examining Credibility IN Rape Cases
Local Autonomy vs State Control: DENR's Authority Over Small-Scale Mining Permits
The Supreme Court upholds DENR's power to review and cancel small-scale mining permits issued by provincial governors, clarifying limits of local autonomy.
Probable Cause vs Evidentiary Weight: The DOJ Secretary’s Review Power Delineated
The Supreme Court clarifies when the DOJ Secretary oversteps by weighing evidence in a preliminary investigation, not just determining probable cause.
Easement vs Expropriation: Just Compensation for Right of Way Under Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies that statutory caps on easement fees do not bind courts in determining just compensation for transmission line right of way.
Determining Fair Compensation in Philippine Expropriation Cases: Key Lessons from Republic v. Heirs of Bautist
Learn how Philippine courts determine just compensation in expropriation cases, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Republic v. Heirs of Bautista.
Protecting OFWs: Examining the Constitutionality of the Migrant Workers Act
The Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Migrant Workers Act, affirming the State's power to protect overseas Filipino workers.
Breach of Trust: Upholding Employers' Right to Terminate Managerial Employees in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employers may validly terminate managerial employees for breach of trust, examining the legal standards and evidentiary requirements.
Determining the Reckoning Point for Unlawful Detainer Actions: The Significance of the Final Demand to Vacate
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the one-year period for unlawful detainer is counted from the last demand to vacate, not lease expiration.
Breach of Trust: Examining Guilt in Step-Parent Rape Cases Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court affirms a stepfather's rape conviction, explaining how moral ascendancy and threats establish intimidation in incestuous rape.
Control Test Decides Employer-Employee Relationship in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Charlie Jao v. BCC Products Sales Inc. explains the control test and four elements determining employer-employee relationship.
Supreme Court Clarifies Control Test in Proving Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court affirms that control over an employee's conduct is the decisive test in determining employer-employee relationships in labor disputes.