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.
Substantial Compliance Upholding Justice Over Strict Procedural Rules in Labor Disputes
In Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation v. Garchitorena, the Supreme Court ruled that substantial compliance with procedural rules can prevent outright dismissal of appeals.
Unconscionable Interest Rates: Protecting Borrowers From Excessive Loan Costs
The Supreme Court affirms that monthly interest rates of 5% to 7% are unconscionable and may be reduced to 12% per annum.
Twin Resolutions and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Heirs of Valdez v. Court of Appeals
When a court issues two conflicting resolutions on the same day, what happens to the case and the forum shopping rule? The Supreme Court explains.
Neglect of Duty in Subpoena Service: A Process Server's Responsibility
A process server's failure to verify a witness's whereabouts before returning a subpoena unserved constitutes simple neglect of duty, the Supreme Court rules.
When Is a Newspaper Columnist an Employee? The Orozco Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Substantial Evidence in Administrative Cases: Upholding Due Process and Fairness
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld HLURB findings in Sta. Lucia Realty v. Uyecio, clarifying substantial evidence, contract cancellation, and refund interest.
Ombudsman’s Power to Discipline and the One-Year Rule Under RA 6770
The Supreme Court clarifies that administrative offenses do not prescribe and the Ombudsman can directly impose penalties on erring officials.
Freelance or Employee? The Test for Newspaper Columnists in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when a newspaper columnist is an independent contractor, not an employee, under the control test.
Divorce by Faskh: New Grounds After a Prior Dismissal Is Not Barred by Res Judicata
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a dismissed divorce by faskh petition does not bar a new one due to new grounds.
Substantial Compliance in Land Registration: Belated Filing of Non-Forum Shopping Certification
The Supreme Court clarifies when belated filing of a certification against forum shopping may be excused in land registration cases.
Rape Conviction Affirmed on Credibility of Testimony and Weak Defense of Alibi
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, explaining why credible eyewitness testimony outweighs alibi and denial in Philippine criminal cases.
Overseas Dreams, Broken Promises: The High Cost of Illegal Recruitment
The Supreme Court affirms the conviction of a Japanese national for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying penalties and damages.
Closure vs. Retrenchment: Proving Losses in Philippine Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a business closure is treated as retrenchment, requiring proof of substantial losses.
Importation Rules on Abandonment and Duty Assessment in Customs Law
Chevron v. Commissioner of Customs clarifies when imported goods are deemed abandoned and how customs duties are assessed under the TCC.
Breach of Duty and Mitigating Circumstances: Balancing Justice and Compassion in Public Service Misconduct
When a clerk of court faces dismissal for fund shortages, mitigating circumstances can temper the penalty. The Supreme Court explains how.
Unwavering Enforcement: The Duty to Execute Final Judgments Despite Obstruction
Final judgments must be executed. This case shows how courts can cancel titles to enforce a ruling despite a party's obstruction.
Compromise Agreements in Labor Disputes: When Settlements Are Final and Binding
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on enforceability of compromise agreements in labor cases, even without counsel present, and limits on lawyer's authority.
Press Freedom vs Judicial Independence: Balancing Criticism and Contempt in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court's 2008 ruling on columnist Amado Macasaet clarifies the line between fair press criticism and indirect contempt of court.
Fresh Period Rule and Appeal Deadlines After a Motion for Reconsideration
Explaining the fresh period rule for appeals, its retroactive effect, and why the wrong remedy still fails in Makati Insurance v. Reyes.
Illegal Recruitment by Non-Licensees and the Promise of Overseas Jobs
The Supreme Court clarifies when a non-licensee can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale under RA 8042.
Good Faith vs Public Interest: How the Supreme Court Resolves Philippine Land Title Disputes
A 2008 Supreme Court ruling shows why a buyer's claim of good faith cannot defeat the State's right to reclaim fraudulently acquired public land.
Lis Pendens and Fraudulent Patents: When a Buyer Is Not in Good Faith
The Supreme Court explains when a notice of lis pendens defeats a claim of good faith purchase of registered land.
Certiorari Not the Remedy to Appeal Disqualification Rulings After Final Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that certiorari cannot replace appeal in challenging a judge's denial of a motion for inhibition after final judgment.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: Balancing Rights With Reasonable Delay
In Bautista v. Auto Plus Traders, the Supreme Court acquitted an officer of bouncing-check charges and refused to hold him personally liable for corporate debts.