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.
Court Personnel Smoking or Vaping in Court Premises: A Less Serious Offense
The Supreme Court holds court personnel liable for smoking or vaping within court premises, imposing fines under Rule 140.
Option to Purchase vs Contract to Sell: Understanding Property Rights and Obligations
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between an option to purchase and a contract to sell, and the consequences of failing to comply with their terms.
Regular vs Project Employees: SSS Coverage and Employer Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that project employees are still covered by compulsory SSS, and employers must remit contributions regardless of tenure.
Upholding Notarial Duties Accuracy and Diligence in Legal Documentation
A lawyer-notary's failure to observe notarial formalities draws administrative sanctions, even without deceit. Learn the mandatory rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
Land Registration: Blueprint Plan Can Substitute for Tracing Cloth
Supreme Court clarifies that a certified blueprint plan can sufficiently identify land for registration, reversing the Court of Appeals' strict ruling.
When Bank Receivership Does Not Stop Prescription on Mortgage Foreclosure
A bank's receivership does not automatically suspend the prescriptive period for foreclosing a mortgage, the Supreme Court ruled.
Agrarian Dispute vs Recovery of Possession: Defining DARAB Jurisdiction
When does DARAB have exclusive jurisdiction over agricultural land cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between agrarian disputes and ordinary recovery of possession actions.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Upholding Work Ethic Consequences for Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness in public service, penalties, and why family excuses don't excuse chronic lateness.
Funding Source for Judicial Retirement Benefits: General Fund vs Special Allowance Fund
The Supreme Court clarifies that retirement benefits of justices and judges, including amounts based on special allowances, must be sourced from the General Fund.
When Silence Speaks: Implied Contracts and the Burden of Proof in Business Deals
The Supreme Court clarifies that implied contracts require clear evidence, not mere suspicion, in disputes over business transactions.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
When the Ombudsman Dismisses a Graft Complaint: The Limits of Judicial Review
Explore Samson v. Ombudsman, where the Court upheld the Ombudsman's dismissal of a graft complaint for lack of probable cause, clarifying the limits of certiorari and mandamus.
Upholding Public Trust: Negligence in Disbursement of Funds Despite Restitution
A Supreme Court cashier's restitution did not erase his administrative liability for simple neglect of duty in releasing funds without proper identification.
Simple Neglect of Duty: When Withdrawal of an Administrative Complaint Does Not End Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies that withdrawal of an administrative complaint does not erase liability for simple neglect of duty by public officers.
Neglect of Duty Requires Substantial Evidence: Protecting Public Servants From Unsubstantiated Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative liability for neglect of duty demands substantial evidence, not mere allegations or speculation.
Supervision vs. Control: Safeguarding Local Autonomy in the Liga ng mga Barangay
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between supervision and control over the Liga ng mga Barangay, protecting local autonomy.
Supreme Court Reinstates NLRC Ruling on Belated Labor Appeal: Timeliness Matters
SC ruling clarifies that belated appeals to the NLRC cannot be excused by mere merit arguments, reaffirming strict procedural rules.
Bouncing Checks Law: When Fear and Necessity Do Not Excuse Issuing Bad Checks
The Supreme Court clarifies when uncontrollable fear and state of necessity cannot excuse liability under the Bouncing Checks Law.
Three-Term Limit for Local Officials: When an Election Loss Resets the Clock
Election loss interrupts an official's service and resets the three-term limit, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Adormeo v. COMELEC.
Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
How Court Deadlines and Extensions Are Computed: The Luz Rule
The Supreme Court clarifies how extensions of time are counted in Philippine courts, and when liberal interpretation may save a late filing.