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.
Probationary Employment Security of Tenure and Due Process Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that probationary employees in the civil service enjoy security of tenure and due process rights, and cannot be dismissed at will.
Shareholder Derivative Suits: Venue and Procedure Under Philippine Rules
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue for shareholder derivative suits and why procedural choices like certiorari vs. appeal matter.
Dual Citizenship and Elections: The Renunciation Requirement Under R.A. 9225
Philippine dual citizens seeking elective office must personally renounce foreign citizenship under R.A. 9225. The Supreme Court explains in De Guzman v. COMELEC.
Breach of Trust vs Estafa: Delineating Fiduciary Duty in Investment Transactions
When does an investment house's failure to return funds become estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between fiduciary duty and mere debtor-creditor relations.
Mootness in Election Contests: When Expiration of Term Ends the Legal Fight
Expiration of an elective office's term can render an election contest moot. Learn the rule from Baldo v. COMELEC.
DST on Deposit on Stock Subscription: When Is It Due?
The Supreme Court clarifies when documentary stamp tax applies to deposits on stock subscription, distinguishing them from actual stock subscriptions.
Breach of Contract and Delay Damages in Construction Projects: Uy v. Public Estates Authority
A Supreme Court ruling on contractor claims for delay damages, standby equipment costs, and the strict written-change-order rule under Article 1724.
Partition Disputes: The Mandatory Role of Commissioners in Property Division
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts must appoint commissioners to divide property in partition disputes, and the limits of the parol evidence rule.
Untimely Appeal and Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Lessons from Sison v. COA
Learn how failure to exhaust administrative remedies and premature honoraria payments led to dismissal in Sison v. COA.
Homeowners Association Disputes: HLURB Jurisdiction and Mandatory Arbitration
When do homeowners association disputes go to HLURB instead of courts? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Tax Evasion vs Deficiency: When Criminal Charges Can Proceed Without Prior Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the BIR can file criminal tax evasion charges without a prior formal assessment, distinguishing deficiency assessments from criminal prosecution.
Actual Malice and Media Responsibility in Reporting on Public Figures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that public figures must prove actual malice to claim damages for false news reports.
RTC Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Libel Cases, Even for Public Officers
The Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts exclusively handle libel cases, regardless of whether the accused is a public officer.
CIAC Jurisdiction Prevails Over Contractual Conditions Precedent in Construction Arbitration
Philippine Supreme Court rules CIAC retains jurisdiction over construction disputes even when parties fail to comply with contractual conditions precedent like DAB referral.
Deportation and Drug Convictions: Broadening the Scope of Philippine Immigration Law
The Supreme Court rules that foreign drug convictions justify deportation under Philippine immigration law, rejecting a narrow reading of Section 37(a)(4).
Quashal vs Provisional Dismissal: Understanding the Nuances of Criminal Procedure in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the key differences between a motion to quash and provisional dismissal under Rule 117, and why the time-bar rule does not apply to quashal orders.
Speedy Trial Rights: When Delay Is Not a Violation
The Supreme Court explains when delays in criminal prosecution do not violate the right to speedy trial, and the limits of double jeopardy.
Speedy Trial Rights When Agreement Nullifies Delay In Securities Act Cases
Supreme Court ruling on when an accused's agreement to defer trial negates claims of speedy trial violation in securities cases.
Stay Orders in Corporate Rehabilitation: Why All Claims Against Distressed Firms Are Suspended
The Supreme Court explains why all claims against corporations under rehabilitation are suspended, regardless of when the claim arose.
Proxy Validation vs Solicitation: SEC and RTC Jurisdiction in Corporate Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies when proxy disputes in corporate elections belong to the RTC, not the SEC, under the Securities Regulation Code.
When Can a Club Seize a Member's Share? The Valley Golf Case on By-Laws and Property Rights
A club cannot seize a fully paid membership share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing, says the Supreme Court.
Forged Signatures and Public Trust: Examining Falsification of Documents by Public Officials
A lawyer's deceitful sale of client property leads to suspension, exploring falsification claims and professional responsibility.
When a Club Can’t Sell Your Share: Valley Golf and Membership Termination
A non-stock club cannot seize a fully-paid member’s share for unpaid dues without proper notice and hearing. Learn the rule.
Security of Tenure and Reassignment Limits for Station-Specific Appointments
Supreme Court ruling on reassignment limits for station-specific appointments and security of tenure in government corporations.