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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Compromise Agreements in Mining Disputes: The Binding Force of MOUs and the Duty of Speedy Disposition
The Supreme Court clarifies when a Memorandum of Understanding becomes a binding compromise agreement in mining disputes, and why tribunals need not wait indefinitely for parties to settle.
Ombudsman's Authority Upheld Disciplining Public School Teachers and Employees
Supreme Court confirms the Ombudsman can directly discipline public school teachers and employees, not just recommend action.
Co-Ownership Rights and the Finality of Partition in Property Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a final partition judgment binds co-owners and their successors, limiting what a co-owner can sell.
When Administrative Complaints Against Judges Are Harassment: The Tallado v. Racoma Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when administrative complaints against judges are harassment suits and why judicial errors must be raised in court, not in disciplinary cases.
Preventive Suspension and Backwages of Local Government Employees Under Investigation
When can a suspended local government employee claim backwages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Plaza v. Court of Appeals.
The Fine Line Between Unpaid Bills and Criminal Fraud Estafa in Restaurant Settings
When does an unpaid restaurant bill become a criminal offense? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when non-payment crosses into estafa.
Philippine Courts Must Honor Foreign Arbitration Clauses Under RA 9285
Philippine courts must respect foreign arbitration clauses. The Supreme Court explains when trial courts should refer disputes to arbitration.
Osteosarcoma Claims: Easing the Burden of Proof for Workers
The Supreme Court ruled that impossible proof requirements for non-occupational diseases like osteosarcoma should not bar compensation claims.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Draws Fines Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer discipline standards.
Judicial Accountability Judges Must Uphold THE LAW AND Maintain Professional Competence
Revocation OF Airman License Upholding AIR Safety Standards AND DUE Process
Incestuous Rape Upholding Victim Testimony AND Penalty Adjustments
Voiding Land Deals Fraud AND THE Limits OF Good Faith Acquisition IN Philippine Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when writs of execution may be void and the limits of procedural due process in property disputes.
Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases for Withholding Employee Benefits
When does withholding salaries become graft? The Supreme Court explains good faith and undue injury under RA 3019.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
Agrarian Reform Church Lands AND THE Limits OF Exemption
The Supreme Court ruled that church lands are not exempt from agrarian reform, and a trustee cannot claim multiple retention rights.
Agrarian Reform Coverage of Church Lands: The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Caceres Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling that church-held agricultural lands are not exempt from agrarian reform coverage under PD 27 and RA 6657.
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Against Fraudulent Issuance
Supreme Court rules transferees in good faith and for value of tax credit certificates cannot be made to pay taxes again when the certificates are later canceled for fraud.
Rehabilitation Plans and Contractual Rights: Dacion en Pago in Corporate Recovery
Supreme Court ruling on whether a rehabilitation plan's dacion en pago proposal violates a secured creditor's contractual rights.
HDMF Cannot Restrict Pag-IBIG Waiver Beyond What the Law Allows
Supreme Court rules HDMF cannot limit Pag-IBIG fund coverage waivers to distressed employers, as administrative rules cannot override the law.
Upholding Search Warrants IN Intellectual Property Cases THE Importance OF Probable Cause AND Specificity
Detention and Absences: When Prolonged AWOL Is Not Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's prolonged absence due to detention does not constitute abandonment, and the limits of dismissal.
When Appeals Should Not Be Dismissed: Protecting Rights of Appellants With Counsel de Oficio
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Court of Appeals may dismiss an appeal for failure to file a brief, protecting indigent appellants.
When Treachery Is Not Proven: How a Murder Charge Becomes Homicide
A Supreme Court ruling shows why treachery must be proven beyond reasonable doubt, and how its absence reduced a murder conviction to homicide.