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 and Redemption Rights in Philippine Tax Delinquency Sales
Supreme Court ruling on compromise agreements, tax delinquency redemption, and substantial compliance in Philippine property law.
Accountability and Due Diligence: Clarifying the Standard for Neglect of Duty in Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies what constitutes simple neglect of duty and the standard of diligence required of public officers in safeguarding government property.
Fortuitous Events and Employee Dismissal: When Absences Are Excusable
The Supreme Court ruled that absences caused by fortuitous events like flooding cannot justify dismissal, protecting workers' labor rights.
Probable Cause and Judicial Discretion: Examining the Dismissal of Rape Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a judge may dismiss a rape case for lack of probable cause, and when such dismissal constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Breach of Promise or Employment Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Damage Claims?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a damage claim for breach of employment promise belongs to regular courts, not the NLRC.
Res Judicata and Property Disputes: Why a Final Judgment Bars a Second Suit
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how res judicata prevents relitigation of property ownership after a final judgment.
Regular Employment Status of Drama Talents: Security of Tenure vs Independent Contractorship
Philippine Supreme Court rules drama talents are regular employees, not independent contractors, when work is necessary to business.
Consignation Denied: Strict Compliance With Court Orders in Property Disputes
Supreme Court rules that consignation must be made within judicially prescribed periods; mere tender of payment is insufficient.
Rice Subsidy and Health Allowance Limits on University Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on Benguet State University's rice subsidy and health allowance, clarifying limits of fiscal autonomy under RA 8292.
Manifest Error or Falsification: The Scope of Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Philippine Elections
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of pre-proclamation controversies, distinguishing correctible manifest errors from election protests requiring evidence aliunde.
When Is a Hospital Building a Commercial Establishment? The Medical Arts Center Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when a hospital's medical arts center is a special property at 10% assessment, not commercial at 35%.
VAT Zero Rating on Services: Clarifying the Destination Principle in Philippine Taxation
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified the destination principle for VAT zero-rating on services in the Philippines and what it means for businesses.
Employer's Liability for Diligence in Employee Supervision After a Vehicular Accident
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employer liability and the standard of diligence required in supervising employees after a vehicular accident.
Can a Spouse Convicted of Adultery Still Share in Conjugal Property? The Maquilan Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a voluntary separation of property is valid, even after a spouse's adultery conviction.
Tenant vs Caretaker: When Fishpond Watching Does Not Create Tenancy Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the line between agricultural tenant and mere caretaker, and why intent and consent matter in tenancy.
Electoral Misrepresentation: Occupation vs. Qualifications in Philippine Law
When does a false statement in a certificate of candidacy become an election offense? The Supreme Court clarifies in Lluz v. COMELEC.
Loss of Filipino Citizenship Ends AFP Retiree Pension: Parreño v. COA
Supreme Court rules AFP retirees who lose Filipino citizenship lose their pension under PD 1638, as amended. No vested right before retirement.
Lawyer Fined P155,000 for Disrespecting Court and Defying IBP Orders
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for shouting at court staff, attacking a judge, and ignoring IBP directives in an administrative case.
Perfecting Land Titles Through Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
A Supreme Court ruling affirms that tax declarations, a survey plan, and witness testimony can prove open, continuous possession of land since June 12, 1945.
Accountability in the Judiciary: When Judges and Court Staff Fail in Their Duties
A Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges, clerks of court, and stenographers for delayed decisions and neglected duties.
Upholding Contractual Obligations: Enforceability of Sales Invoices Despite Claims of Discrepancies
Supreme Court affirms that signed sales invoices are binding evidence of delivery and payment obligations, even when a buyer later claims short deliveries.
When Is Property "Taken" for Expropriation? The Timing of Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when "taking" occurs in expropriation, affecting how just compensation is valued.
Duty to Republish Notice in Extrajudicial Foreclosure: A Sheriff's Essential Obligation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that rescheduling an extrajudicial foreclosure sale requires republication of the notice, or the sale is invalid.
Upholding Decorum: False Accusations Among Court Employees and Administrative Liability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts treat unproven accusations among judiciary employees and what happens when grave charges are not backed by evidence.