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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AWOL and Due Process: Can an Employee Dropped From the Rolls Still Face Administrative Cases?
The Supreme Court clarifies that being dropped from the rolls for AWOL does not end pending administrative cases, especially for court employees facing fund shortages.
Sheriff's Overzealous Writ Execution: Grave Abuse of Authority and Citizen's Rights
When a sheriff's writ execution crosses the line into illegal detention and premature demolition, the Supreme Court steps in to protect citizens' rights.
Bouncing Checks and Due Process: The Notice Requirement in BP 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that proof of receipt of notice of dishonor is essential to convict under BP 22, the bouncing checks law.
Sheriffs Duty Implementing Replevin Orders With DUE Diligence AND Care
When a sheriff seizes property under a replevin order, due diligence is not optional. A Supreme Court ruling shows the costly consequences of neglect.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Land Reform: When Corporate Fiction Evades Agrarian Law
When a corporation is used to evade agrarian reform coverage, courts will pierce the corporate veil. Learn from this Supreme Court ruling.
Land Reclassification Does Not Automatically Strip Tenant Rights, Says SC
Supreme Court clarifies that reclassifying agricultural land to residential use does not automatically divest tenant-farmers of their security of tenure rights.
Reopening a Preliminary Investigation Does Not Prove Prosecutorial Partiality
Supreme Court clarifies that reopening a preliminary investigation is not proof of bias under the Anti-Graft law, absent evidence of bad faith.
Who Can Speak for the Deceased: Legal Representation and Estate Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may substitute for a deceased party in civil cases, protecting estate rights and due process.
Upholding Judicial Duty: Prompt Resolution of Cases and the Consequences of Undue Delay
The Supreme Court fines a Pasay City judge P10,000 for resolving motions many months late, confirming that undue delay is a punishable offense.
Fishpond Exemption and Farmworker Security of Tenure After Lease Expiration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond farmworkers retain security of tenure after a civil law lessee's lease expires.
Fishpond Workers' Rights After Lease Expiration: Civil Lease vs Agrarian Reform
Supreme Court ruling on whether fishpond workers hired by a civil law lessee can stay after lease expiration, and why fishponds are exempt from agrarian reform.
When Possession Is Nine Tenths of the Law: Certiorari, Amparo, and Habeas Data in Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases belong to first-level courts, and that amparo and habeas data cannot substitute for ordinary remedies in property disputes.
Intact Hymen Rape Conviction Protecting Victims Despite Medical Findings
Philippine Supreme Court affirms rape conviction despite intact hymen, explaining medical findings do not negate a credible victim's testimony.
Buy-Bust Operations and Instigation: When Police Tactics Are Valid in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies the line between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in drug buy-bust operations under RA 9165.
Seafarer Death Benefits: The Primacy of the Employment Contract's Term
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a seafarer's death during the contract term entitles heirs to death benefits under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.
Valid Substituted Service and Child Support Rights in Philippine Family Law
Supreme Court ruling on valid substituted service of summons for OFW parents and the right of illegitimate children to support.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that the SEC, not the regular courts, has jurisdiction to recall and cancel a stock and transfer book it erroneously registered.
Rehabilitation Proceedings and Contractual Obligations: Balancing Creditor Rights and Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on suspension of collection suits during corporate rehabilitation proceedings under PD 902-A.
Entrapment vs Instigation in Drug Cases: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between valid entrapment and prohibited instigation in buy-bust operations, and the burden of proof in drug cases.
Agrarian Reform: When Courts Can Interfere With DAR's Discretion
Explains when courts may review DAR decisions in agrarian reform cases, using a 2008 Supreme Court ruling on CARP exemptions.
SEC Authority Validating Stock and Transfer Books Over Intra-Corporate Disputes
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that the SEC has regulatory jurisdiction to validate and cancel stock and transfer books.
SEC Jurisdiction Over Stock and Transfer Book Disputes: A Lesson in Regulatory Power
Supreme Court clarifies SEC's regulatory jurisdiction to recall and cancel erroneously registered stock and transfer books, resolving intra-corporate disputes.
Credibility of Rape Victim's Testimony Can Stand Alone for Conviction
The Supreme Court affirms that a rape victim's credible, straightforward testimony is sufficient for conviction, even without corroborating evidence.
Reliever Nurse Deemed Regular Employee: Security of Tenure Prevails
Supreme Court rules a reliever nurse who served over a year is a regular employee, entitled to security of tenure and damages for illegal dismissal.