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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Reclusion Perpetua and the Element of Intent in Robbery with Homicide
The Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, the weak defense of alibi, and the penalty of reclusion perpetua without parole.
Pollution Adjudication Board Primary Jurisdiction Over Fishermen's Damages Claims vs Industrial Operations
Supreme Court ruling on PAB primary jurisdiction over pollution-related damages claims, balancing fishermen's livelihood rights and industrial operations.
Protecting Employee Retirement Funds Invalidating Reversion of Assets to Cover Corporate Debt
The Supreme Court ruled that a provident fund cannot be used to pay the employer's debts, protecting employees' retirement benefits.
When Does the 10-Day Appeal Period Start in Illegal Dismissal Cases?
Learn when the 10-day appeal period starts in labor cases and why a security guard's receipt of a decision may not bind the employer.
Upholding Procedural Rules THE Impermissibility OF Prematurely Challenging Orders IN Preliminary Injunction Cases
Security of Tenure vs Academic Standards: The St. Mary's Academy Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on premature dismissal of teachers who failed the LET, balancing security of tenure with professional regulation.
Civil Service Eligibility and the Consequences of Dishonesty in Government Employment
Buying a civil service eligibility is dishonesty punishable by dismissal. Learn the rules and consequences from a Supreme Court case.
Balancing Security and Privacy: The Supreme Court on Amparo, Habeas Data, and Enforced Disappearance Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of amparo and habeas data writs in Roxas v. Arroyo, balancing security, privacy, and state accountability.
Eyewitness Identification VS Constitutional Rights Safeguarding Fair Trials IN Criminal Cases
Dishonesty in Public Service: The Cost of Misrepresentation and the Limits of the Right to Counsel
A Supreme Court ruling shows how dishonesty in securing civil service eligibility leads to dismissal, and why the right to counsel does not apply in administrative probes.
Final Judgment Rule: When Court Decisions in Property Disputes Become Immutable
The final judgment rule makes court decisions in property disputes final and executory. Learn the exceptions and practical implications.
Judicial Ethics: Authorized and Unauthorized Absences for Philippine Judges
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on when judges incur unauthorized absences and when filing leave is required under CSC rules.
Conjugal Property Sale Without Spousal Consent Is Void, Not Just Voidable
A sale of conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under the Family Code. Buyers must verify the seller's authority to sell.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers' Right to Title Delivery
Supreme Court affirms HLURB jurisdiction over subdivision lot buyers' claims for title delivery against developers, protecting purchasers from unscrupulous sellers.
Encroachment Disputes and Land Ownership Rights: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court clarifies how registered owners can recover encroached land through accion reivindicatoria, demolition, and damages.
Prescription in Estate Settlement: Heirs' Rights and Time Limits Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on prescription periods for heirs contesting extrajudicial estate settlements, fraud discovery, and time limits.
Robbery with Homicide Conviction Affirmed: The Role of Force, Intimidation, and Conspiracy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the elements of robbery with homicide, conspiracy liability, and why denial cannot defeat positive identification.
Survival of Actions: Property Rights Prevail After Death in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when lawsuits survive a party's death, focusing on property rights versus personal actions under Rule 3.
HLURB Jurisdiction: Protecting Subdivision Lot Buyers From Developer Non-Compliance
When a licensed developer sells a lot and fails to deliver title, the HLURB has jurisdiction over the buyer's claim—regardless of project size.
Attorney's Fees and Estate Liens: Protecting a Lawyer's Right to Be Paid
The Supreme Court ruled that a lawyer may claim attorney's fees in the very case where he served and annotate a lien on the properties of the estate.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: The Burden of Proof in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers become regular employees and the employer's burden in proving project employment status.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Courts Must Follow DAR Valuation Formula
Philippine Supreme Court rules that courts must apply DAR's mandatory valuation formula under RA 6657 in determining just compensation for agrarian reform lands.
Lease Agreements Defining the Scope of Leased Assets and Obligations Upon Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lease agreements, defining asset scope and post-termination obligations for lessors and lessees.
Valid Service of Summons: Ensuring Corporate Officers Are Notified
Learn when substituted service of summons on a corporate officer is valid under Philippine rules, and how courts protect due process.