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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Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: When Valuation Should Be Made
Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation for agrarian reform lands is valued at payment time, not at taking.
Spanish Titles vs Torrens System: What Landowners Must Know After SBMA Ruling
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling confirms Spanish-era titles are no longer valid proof of land ownership in the Philippines. Here's what it means for property claims.
Commingling and Certification Elections: Navigating Union Affiliations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when commingling of rank-and-file and supervisory union officers bars separate certification elections.
Protecting the People's Vote: Timeliness of Election Protests and Failure of Election Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the 30-day period for election appeals, failure of election grounds, and the importance of raising issues promptly.
Mining Contract Transfers: When New Laws Don't Apply Retroactively
Supreme Court ruling on FTAA transfers, presidential approval requirements, and the non-retroactive application of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
When Is a Company Cook a Regular Employee? A Philippine Labor Law Guide
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company cook is a regular employee, not a domestic helper, and the rules on illegal dismissal.
Spanish Titles and Stare Decisis: Santiago v. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
The Supreme Court reaffirmed that Spanish titles can no longer prove land ownership, and that final judgments bind even those who did not appeal.
Premature Campaigning: Defining Candidate Status Before the Election Period
The Supreme Court clarifies when a candidate is deemed to have campaigned prematurely and the rules on disqualification cases filed before elections.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in Fraudulent Asset Transfers: Labor Claims in the Philippines
When can labor arbiters pierce the corporate veil to enforce judgments? Learn from the Supreme Court's ruling in Jang Lim v. CA.
Perfected Contract of Sale: The Decisive Role of Clear Agreement on Price
A "suggested indicative price" is not a definite price. The Supreme Court explains when a contract of sale is perfected.
Accountability Confirmed: Public Officials Liable for Missing Funds Despite Internal Audits
Supreme Court affirms conviction of municipal treasurer for malversation despite internal audit showing no shortage, clarifying COA's exclusive audit authority.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Dereliction of Duty: Forfeiture of Benefits for Negligent Court Personnel
Learn how the Supreme Court penalizes court personnel for dereliction of duty, including forfeiture of benefits and dismissal from service.
Divorce Abroad and Remarrying in the Philippines After a Spouse's Foreign Naturalization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on divorce abroad, foreign naturalization, and remarriage in the Philippines under the Family Code.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: The Tallado Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges' alleged errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline absent bad faith.
Permanent Injunctions Allowed Protecting Bcda Projects Without Hampering Judicial Power
Supreme Court rules RA 7227 bars only TROs and preliminary injunctions against BCDA projects, not permanent injunctions after full trial.
Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogative: When a Transfer Becomes Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a transfer becomes constructive dismissal and the limits of management prerogative.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.
Can an Employee Be Denied Retirement Benefits for Breach of Trust?
The Supreme Court rules on whether a bank manager validly dismissed for breach of trust can still claim retirement benefits after his compulsory retirement date had passed.
Noise as Nuisance When Business Operations Disturb Neighboring Properties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when business noise becomes a legal nuisance and why courts, not local governments, handle abatement cases.
When a Judge’s Delay and Dishonesty Undermine the Right to Speedy Trial
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge’s 13-year case backlog and falsified certificates of service, and what it means for the constitutional right to speedy justice.
Reinstatement of Union Members: Scope of Labor Secretary's Order in Illegal Strike Cases
Supreme Court clarifies which union members are reinstated under a Labor Secretary's assumption-of-jurisdiction order in illegal strike cases.