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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Security Codes and Promo Prizes: Why 349 Crown Holders Lost in Court
The Supreme Court denied claims of 349 crown holders in the Pepsi number fever promo, ruling that the correct security code was indispensable to win.
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.
Moral Conduct in the Judiciary: Defining Immorality and Due Process for Court Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when giving birth out of wedlock is immoral conduct for court employees and protects due process rights.
Absence Due to Unjustified Detention: Employee Protection Against Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's absence due to detention does not constitute abandonment, protecting workers from illegal dismissal.
Upholding Statutory Mandates Hdmfs Rule Making Limits IN Granting PAG Ibig Fund Waivers
The Supreme Court rules that only the DENR Secretary can cancel mineral agreements, not the Panel of Arbitrators, in Celestial Nickel v. Macroasia.
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.
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.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: How the DAR Formula and Land Valuation Interact
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that the DAR valuation formula guides, but does not strictly bind, courts in fixing just compensation for lands taken under agrarian reform.
Taking the Law Into One's Own Hands: When Recovery Attempts Lead to Legal Liability
A clerk of court's angry outburst over cut bamboos shows how self-help recovery can trigger administrative liability despite retirement.
Academic Freedom vs Student Rights: Balancing Discipline and Due Process in Higher Education
The Supreme Court balances academic freedom and student rights in De La Salle University v. CA, clarifying due process and CHED jurisdiction.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty in Handling Foreign Currency Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in handling foreign currency time deposit pretermination and fiduciary duty.
Can a Filipino Lawyer Who Became a Foreign Citizen Still Practice Law? The Dacanay Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer who lost Philippine citizenship may resume law practice under RA 9225.
Directors Personally Liable for Unremitted SSS Contributions: The Garcia Doctrine
The Supreme Court holds directors personally liable for collected but unremitted SSS contributions, piercing the corporate veil under the Social Security Law.
Credibility of Victim Testimony in Rape Cases Convicting Solely on Direct Evidence
In People v. Aguilar, the Supreme Court upheld a rape conviction based solely on the victim's credible testimony, ruling medical evidence is not indispensable.
Forged Titles and Faulty Foundations: How Errors in Original Land Registration Undermine Property Rights in th
A Supreme Court ruling explains why the date of transcription, not decree issuance, determines a title's validity and priority.
Supreme Court Clarifies Torrens Title Date: Registration Takes Effect on Transcription, Not Decree Issuance
The Court ruled that a Torrens title takes effect only upon transcription by the Register of Deeds, resolving a decades-old land dispute.
Surety Bonds and Compromise Judgments: When Payment Is Not Voluntary
A surety's payment under a writ of execution on a compromise judgment is not voluntary; reimbursement from the principal debtor is required.
Butakal Case: MTRCB Powers vs Artistic Freedom and Reputation
The Supreme Court clarifies MTRCB's power to review films for defamation and sub judice content in the Butakal case.
Delivery Order Compliance: Who Bears the Loss for Unauthorized Fertilizer Withdrawals
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who bears the loss when goods are released without proper delivery order forms.