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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Condominium Rights: Exclusive Use vs Unrestricted Construction on Common Areas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that exclusive use of a condominium limited common area does not permit unrestricted construction or leasing to third persons.
Missed Deadlines and Denied Probation: Understanding Appeal Periods in Philippine Law
Learn how the Supreme Court's fresh period rule affects appeal deadlines, using a landmark insurance liability case as guide.
Probable Cause vs DOJ Secretary's Discretion in Parricide Cases: Key Lessons from Asetre v. Asetre
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of judicial review over the DOJ Secretary's finding of probable cause in parricide and murder cases.
Double Jeopardy and Prioritization Defense in Malversation and Graft Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when prioritizing payments excuses non-remittance of GSIS funds and when double jeopardy applies in graft cases.
Due Process in Employee Dismissal: The Meaning of "Ample Opportunity to Be Heard"
The Supreme Court clarifies that a formal hearing is not always required before dismissing an employee—what matters is a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
Homestead Patents and Mortgage Restrictions: Protecting Family Lands From Encumbrances
The Supreme Court voids mortgages on homestead lands made within five years of patent issuance, protecting family properties from premature encumbrances.
When a Bank’s “Warehousing” Trust Fails: Lessons from Tala Realty v. Banco Filipino
A look at Tala Realty v. Banco Filipino, where the Supreme Court struck down a bank’s secret trust scheme to evade real estate limits.
OFW Death Liability: Protecting Overseas Workers and Ensuring Accountability
Supreme Court ruling holds recruitment agencies solidarily liable for OFW deaths, imposing moral and exemplary damages for abandoning workers in distress.
Original Proponent Rights in BOT Projects: The NAIA Terminal 3 Case
Learn what the Supreme Court said about original proponent rights in BOT projects, using the NAIA Terminal 3 case as a guide.
Due Process in Dismissal: What the Supreme Court Really Requires
A 2009 Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a formal hearing is not always required before an employee is dismissed — only a genuine chance to be heard.
NTC Cannot Cancel Broadcast CPCs: The Dual Franchise and License Regime Explained
The Supreme Court rules the NTC has no power to cancel broadcast licenses issued to legislative franchise holders, clarifying the dual regulatory regime.
Silencing the Airwaves: When Local Regulations Infringe on Press Freedom
The Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot use permit requirements to silence broadcast media, reaffirming strict scrutiny for content-based restraints on press freedom.
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.
When Reclassified Positions Need New Appointments: Tagaro v. Garcia
The Supreme Court clarifies when position upgrades require new appointments and the consequences of forum shopping in government service disputes.
Retirement Options for Re-Employed Government Employees: When Choice Is Lost
Explaining when a re-employed government retiree loses the right to choose a retirement law, based on Santos v. GSIS.
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Sugar Mill Loans: When Contract Terms Define Government's Right to Recover Funds
Supreme Court ruling on condonation scope in sugar mill loans, clarifying when banks and government can apply deposits to unpaid obligations.
Forum Shopping AND Security OF Tenure Balancing Equity IN Public Service
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies security of tenure for government executives, distinguishing third-level positions and reassignment rules.
Untimely Election Protests: When Pre-Proclamation Petitions Do Not Suspend Filing Deadlines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a pre-proclamation petition suspends the 10-day deadline for filing an election protest under Philippine law.
Election Tribunal vs Comelec: Who Resolves Disqualification Cases After Proclamation
The Supreme Court clarifies that once a winning candidate is proclaimed and assumes office, the HRET—not the Comelec—has sole jurisdiction over qualification disputes.
Graft and Corruption: Demanding Grease Money for Government Contracts
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on demanding grease money for government contracts under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Self-Defense or Murder: Credibility and Treachery in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies a killing as murder in People v. Pajabera.
Psychological Incapacity Must Exist at Time of Marriage to Nullify It
Supreme Court clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 must be proven to exist at the time of marriage, not just manifested later.
Conflicting Land Titles: Why Prior Titles Prevail in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on conflicting land titles, explaining why earlier certificates of title prevail over later ones in property disputes.