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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Judicial Accountability: Timely Resolution of Cases and Compliance with Court Directives
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's administrative liability for delayed case resolution and non-compliance with court directives, with practical lessons.
Judicial Misconduct and Immorality: When a Judge's Private Acts Breach Public Trust
When a judge's private behavior crosses the line into immorality, the Supreme Court can dismiss him from the bench—even without a criminal conviction.
SEC Authority to Regulate Fees Upheld to Protect Investors
The Supreme Court affirms SEC's power to regulate fees, protecting investors from excessive charges in securities transactions.
Expropriation of Small Lots Upheld: The Limits of RA 7279's Exemption Rule
Supreme Court clarifies when small property owners may be exempt from expropriation, and the prospective effect of RA 7279.
When Can Government Revoke Tax Exemptions in Freeport Zones
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when Congress may withdraw tax exemptions granted to Subic Freeport locators, and limits on injunctions against tax collection.
Restrictive Custody in the PNP: Balancing Discipline and Liberty
The Supreme Court explains when restrictive custody of police officers under investigation is lawful and not a ground for habeas corpus.
Business Closure Due to Fire: Employer Prerogative vs. Employee Rights
When fire destroys a business, can employees claim illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the rules on closure and separation pay.
Judicial Discretion and Accountability: Balancing Error and Malice in Administrative Offenses
The Supreme Court clarifies when judicial errors warrant leniency versus severe penalties, balancing honest mistakes against malicious conduct.
Judicial Misconduct and Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge and clerk of court who misappropriated bail bonds and settlement funds, reaffirming accountability in the judiciary.
Theft vs Robbery: Intent to Gain and Positive Identification in Philippine Criminal Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies theft elements, intent to gain, and why positive identification beats denial and alibi in criminal cases.
Redundancy Dismissal: Fair Criteria and Due Notice Under Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redundancy dismissal: employers must prove fair criteria and give proper notice to DOLE and employees.
Proof of Alienability Required: Land Registration Denied Without Government Certification
Supreme Court denies land registration where applicant failed to prove the property was alienable and disposable public land.
Reinstatement and Full Backwages for Illegal Dismissal: What Employers Must Prove in Redundancy Cases
The Supreme Court explains when redundancy dismissals are illegal and why reinstatement with full backwages is the remedy.
The Binding Nature of Counsel's Negligence: Implications for Litigants
Explore how counsel's negligence binds clients in Philippine litigation, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Gulmatico v. People.
Cashier's Check as Bank's Primary Obligation: Holder in Due Course Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on cashier's checks, holder in due course status, and bank liability explained in plain language.
When Judges and Court Employees Fall Short: Ethical Standards in Personal Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling on judges and clerks who mishandled bail bonds and settlement funds, and the ethical standards for court personnel.
Client Bound by Counsel's Negligence: Lessons from a Philippine Attorney Ethics Case
A Supreme Court ruling on how a lawyer's failure to update addresses and clients' duty to monitor cases affect finality of judgments.
Well-Known Foreign Trademarks Protected in the Philippines Even Without Local Registration
Philippine Supreme Court affirms protection for well-known foreign trademarks like IN-N-OUT Burger, even without local registration or local business presence.
Sale vs Equitable Mortgage: When a Deed of Sale Is Considered a Loan
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a deed of absolute sale may be treated as an equitable mortgage or loan, and when courts will uphold the sale.
Conjugal Property Support Illegitimate Children Family Code Rules
Supreme Court clarifies when conjugal property may be levied to satisfy support obligations for illegitimate children under the Family Code.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Courts—Not Agencies—Fix Fair Value
Supreme Court clarifies that RTCs, not DAR adjudicators, have original jurisdiction over just compensation in agrarian expropriation cases.
Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations and Proper Summons in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when foreign corporations are "doing business" and how summons must be served on them.
When Landlocked Property Demands Passage: Establishing a Legal Right of Way in the Philippines
Philippine law allows landlocked owners to demand a right of way, but only after meeting four strict requirements. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Negligence vs Gross Negligence in Medical Malpractice: The Ilao-Oreta Standard
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between ordinary negligence and gross negligence in medical malpractice, and when damages may be awarded.