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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Voluntary Easements: Enforceability and Extinguishment of Right of Way Agreements
When can a voluntary right of way be cancelled? The Supreme Court explains why adequate access does not extinguish an agreed easement.
When Is a Board Resolution Required for a Corporate Loan? Key Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate by-laws can authorize a president to borrow money without a board resolution.
Habeas Corpus and Valid Court Judgments: When the Writ Is Denied in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions are denied despite procedural leniency, emphasizing valid judgments and pending cases.
Who Pays Real Property Tax When a Government Corporation Assumes a Private Firm's Tax Liability?
The Supreme Court rules on whether NPC can claim tax exemptions for a power plant it does not own or use under a BOT agreement.
Duty to Update Valid Service Despite Address Change IN Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on the duty to update service addresses in labor disputes, and why a postmaster's certification cannot override a registry return card.
Philippine Red Cross Private Status and Constitutional Limits on Lawmakers
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Philippine Red Cross is a government corporation and the constitutional ban on lawmakers holding public office.
Election Protests: The Crucial Role of Ballot Examination and the Limits of COMELEC En Banc Review
The Supreme Court clarifies when ballot revision is mandatory in election protests and why only final Division orders reach the COMELEC En Banc.
Filing an Administrative Case Against a Judge in the Philippines: No Need to Exhaust Judicial Remedies First
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exhaustion of judicial remedies is not required before filing an administrative case against a judge.
Philippine Airlines TAX Exemption Upholding Franchise Rights Despite NET Losses
Guilty Plea and Evidence: Conviction for Kidnapping With Rape Stands on Proof, Not Confession Alone
A guilty plea doesn't automatically convict. The Supreme Court explains why independent evidence still matters in kidnapping with rape cases.
Workplace Conduct: Simple Misconduct and Disciplinary Actions for Employees
Learn how the Supreme Court defines simple misconduct in the workplace and what disciplinary actions employees may face for fighting or similar offenses.
When Judges Fail to Decide Cases: Court Rules on Gross Neglect of Duty
Supreme Court dismisses judge for failing to decide cases for years, ruling that heavy caseload is no excuse for judicial delay.
Sheriffs Misconduct Upholding Integrity IN Writ Execution 2
When a sheriff oversteps in enforcing a writ, the Supreme Court steps in. Learn the rules on sheriff's expenses and conduct.
Strike Legality Counter Proposals AND Union Officer Dismissals IN Labor Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies notice of strike requirements and the "knowingly participates" rule for dismissing union officers.
Property Rights in Void Marriages: Due Process in Asset Partitioning
The Supreme Court clarifies that partition of property in void marriages requires full hearing and due process, not hasty execution.
Correcting Typographical Errors Valid Execution Despite Misstated Property Address
A typographical error in a judgment's dispositive portion does not render it defective or unenforceable. The Supreme Court explains how courts may correct such errors.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining the Boundaries of Employee Misappropriation
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employee's misappropriation is qualified theft, not estafa, based on the nature of possession.
Prosecutors Discretion in the Philippines: When Courts Can Intervene
When can courts review a prosecutor's or the Ombudsman's decision? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judicial intervention.
Standing to Sue: Who Can Challenge a Property Sale in the Philippines
Learn who has legal standing to challenge a property sale in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform land.
When a Dishonored Check Cannot Be Theft: The Impossible Crime Doctrine in the Philippines
Can a worthless check be the object of theft? The Supreme Court explains the impossible crime doctrine and why intent alone is not enough.
Probationary Employment: Employers Must Inform Workers of Regularization Standards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probationary employment: employers must inform workers of regularization standards at the start of engagement.
Party List Representation: Guaranteeing Seats While Balancing Proportionality
The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on party-list seat allocation in Philippine elections, balancing guaranteed seats with proportional representation.
Irrevocable Tax Options: Understanding the Finality of Choosing Between Tax Credit and Refund
Philippine Airlines' Supreme Court win clarifies when tax options become irrevocable and how franchise tax exemptions work.
Judicial Misconduct: When a Judge Borrows From Lawyers and Erodes Impartiality
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for borrowing money from a lawyer with cases pending before her court, underscoring judicial integrity.