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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Why the Judge Who Hears a Drug Case Must Also Decide It
Philippine Supreme Court rules trial judges must decide cases they hear, ensuring fair drug case trials and reliable factual findings.
Probable Cause and Due Process in Philippine Drug Arrests: Lessons from Dacles v. People
The Supreme Court clarifies probable cause, due process, and evidence rules in drug arrests under the Dangerous Drugs Act.
Overseas Workers Rights Illegal Dismissal and Fair Compensation in Maritime Employment
Understand the Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino workers and how compensation is computed under RA 8042.
Dishonesty in the Workplace: Gauging Sufficient Evidence for Employee Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for dismissing employees for dishonesty, distinguishing valid termination from illegal dismissal.
Negligence in Public Service: Distinguishing Gross from Simple Neglect and the Right to Backwages
Explains the Supreme Court's distinction between gross and simple neglect of duty in public service, and when backwages may be awarded.
Public Funds, Private Gain: Unpacking the Unconstitutional Levy on Fertilizer Sales
The Supreme Court struck down a fertilizer levy that funneled public funds to a private company, reaffirming that taxes must serve a public purpose.
Judicial Misconduct When Ignorance of the Law and Delay Taint Justice
A judge's dismissal of a case despite a party's active participation, plus undue delay in resolving a motion, draws fines from the Supreme Court.
Administrative Absolution Does NOT BAR Criminal Prosecution Ensuring Accountability IN Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts against public officials.
Indirect Contempt and Forum Shopping: Safeguarding Judicial Processes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that dismissal of an administrative case does not bar criminal prosecution for the same acts, and warns against forum shopping and delaying tactics.
Writ of Possession in Foreclosure: Ministerial Duty vs Equitable Considerations
When can a court refuse to issue a writ of possession after foreclosure? The Supreme Court clarifies the ministerial duty rule and its exceptions.
Solidary Liability in Labor Disputes: When Principals and Contractors Share Responsibility
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is solidarily liable with an independent contractor for labor claims, and when it is not.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
Disputes on Barangay Existence: Supreme Court Upholds Comelec Authority on Election Matters
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's authority to resolve questions on barangay existence in election disputes, settling the Sangcopan case.
Land Title Registration: Proving Open Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is needed to register land title based on possession since June 12, 1945.
Official Duty vs. Discourtesy: When Public Officials Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot hide behind official duty to justify discourtesy, reaffirming public office as a public trust.
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Legal Factors and Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should determine just compensation for agrarian reform lands under R.A. 6657 and DAR formula.
Pilotage Fees and Government Share: PPA Can Collect Directly from Shipping Lines
Supreme Court ruling on PPA's authority to collect the 10% government share on pilotage fees directly from shipping companies.
Tenant Rights and Fraud Claims in Agrarian Disputes: Quitoriano v. DARAB
The Supreme Court affirms that emancipation patents stand unless fraud is proven by clear and convincing evidence in agrarian disputes.
Defining Abandonment And Insubordination Employee Rights VS Employer Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee abandonment and insubordination, balancing worker rights against employer authority in termination disputes.
Abandonment in Agricultural Tenancy: When Hiring Help Costs Cultivation Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tenant's surrender of cultivation to another amounts to abandonment and loss of tenancy rights.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Binding Force of Agreed Interest Rates in Credit Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on agreed interest rates in credit sales, party autonomy, and limits on unconscionable charges.
Courts Hold Sole Power to Remove Elective Local Officials, High Court Rules
Supreme Court affirms only courts can remove elective local officials like barangay captains, limiting sanggunian disciplinary powers.