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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Strained Relations in Employment: Separation Pay as an Alternative to Reinstatement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, due process, and when separation pay replaces reinstatement due to strained relations.
Bad Faith in Unregistered Land Sales and Trust Disputes: Belle Corp. v. De Leon-Banks
When can a buyer of unregistered land be sued for bad faith? The Supreme Court clarifies pleading rules in trust and property disputes.
Unbroken Chains Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases, showing how proper evidence handling secures convictions under RA 9165.
Illegal Dismissal: Employer Must Prove Just Cause AND Due Process in Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that terminating an employee requires both substantive and procedural due process; failure in either makes dismissal illegal.
Sheriffs Must Execute Writs Promptly: The Timely Enforcement Duty in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies sheriffs have a ministerial duty to execute writs promptly, with no discretion to delay absent a court order.
Dismissal for Dishonesty and Grave Misconduct in Mismanaging Court Funds
Court dismisses clerk of court for P597K shortage in collections, ruling that restitution cannot erase serious breach of duty.
Timeliness and Sufficiency in Election Protests: Balancing Procedure and Substance
A look at Lloren v. COMELEC on appeal fee deadlines, motion fees, and the mandatory requirements for a valid election protest.
Shared Negligence Apportioning Liability IN Ship Repair Contracts Under Philippine LAW
Supreme Court ruling on shared negligence, limitation of liability clauses, and subrogation in ship repair contracts under Philippine law.
Dishonesty AND Grave Misconduct Dismissal FOR Clerks OF Court Handling Judiciary Funds
Preventive Suspension Grounds: When Philippine Civil Servants Face Removal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when preventive suspension may validly issue against civil servants pending administrative investigation.
Presidential Control vs Agency Autonomy: Disallowed Incentive Awards Without Approval
When can the President override an agency's incentive program? The Supreme Court explains the limits of agency autonomy under presidential control.
Safeguarding Electoral Independence When Collaboration Challenges Constitutional Boundaries
The Supreme Court upholds the constitutionality of the joint DOJ-Comelec investigation of election fraud in the 2004 and 2007 polls.
When Power Discounts Must Reach Consumers: The PPA Refund Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that electric cooperatives must pass on power discounts and refund over-recoveries to consumers.
Motion to Quash Denial: Interlocutory Orders and Grave Abuse of Discretion
Learn when a denied motion to quash can be challenged via certiorari, and why interlocutory orders generally require waiting for trial.
Buy-Bust Operations Ensuring Integrity in Drug Sale and Possession Cases
The Supreme Court affirms drug convictions, explaining how buy-bust operations and chain of custody preserve evidence integrity under RA 9165.
Treachery Defined When A Defenseless Victim Becomes THE Target IN Murder Cases
When a victim is down and defenseless, the attack is treacherous. This case explains how Philippine courts define treachery in murder.
Overseas Job Offers: Illegal Recruitment and Fraudulent Promises Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when overseas job offers become illegal recruitment and estafa, and what victims must prove.
Who Owns Farm Improvements Under CARP? Landowner vs. Lessee Rights
The Supreme Court ruled that disputes over crops and improvements between a landowner and a lessee fall under the Civil Code, not agrarian reform courts.
Untangling Time: When Does the Clock Start Ticking for Relief from Judgment?
Explaining the 60-day and 6-month periods for filing a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Commissioner of Internal Revenue v. Court of Tax Appeals an
Retention Rights vs Emancipation Patents: Clarifying Land Ownership Under Agrarian Reform
The Supreme Court clarifies when a landowner's retention right prevails over an emancipation patent issued to a tenant-farmer under agrarian reform.
Mortgagor Ownership and Estoppel: When a Real Estate Mortgage Stays Valid
Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgagor's ownership and estoppel uphold the validity of a real estate mortgage in PNB v. Reblando.
When Commissions Count in Separation Pay: A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when sales commissions form part of salary for separation pay computation and when quitclaims are invalid.
Rape Conviction Upheld: Victim's Testimony and Parental Aggravation in Incest Cases
In People v. Venturina, the Supreme Court affirmed a father's rape conviction, showing how a victim's credible testimony and relationship can seal a case.
Failure to Prove Actual Possession Dooms Unlawful Detainer Claim
In unlawful detainer cases, the plaintiff must prove actual possession by preponderance of evidence. The Supreme Court explains why.