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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Special Agrarian Court Jurisdiction: Province-Wide, Not Just Local
Just compensation cases may be heard by the designated Special Agrarian Court anywhere in the province, even outside its regular territory.
Grave Misconduct in the Workplace: Defining the Boundaries of Acceptable Behavior
The Supreme Court clarifies when sexual harassment in the workplace constitutes grave misconduct warranting dismissal from government service.
Fraudulent Misrepresentation Differentiating Estafa From Complex Crime OF Estafa Through Falsification
When Election Returns Override Ballots in Philippine Election Protests
Philippine Supreme Court explains when election returns may be used instead of ballots in determining election protest winners.
When Safekeeping Turns Into Gross Misconduct: A Judge's Duty of Propriety
A Philippine judge kept a litigant's antique pieces for four years. The Supreme Court called it gross misconduct, not mere impropriety, and suspended him.
When an Alien Executive Is a Regular Employee, Not a Corporate Officer: The WPP v. Galera Lesson
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between a corporate officer and a regular employee, and the consequences of working without an alien employment permit.
Determining Agrarian Disputes Jurisdiction Between DARAB and DAR Secretary
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when the DARAB, not the DAR Secretary, has jurisdiction over agrarian disputes involving OLT coverage.
Judicial Accountability: Upholding the Duty to Decide Cases Promptly
The Supreme Court fined a retiring judge P50,000 for leaving 43 cases undecided, affirming that judges must rule within the 90-day period.
Foreclosure Rights Upholding Mortgage Validity Despite Claims OF Duress
Mortgage Validity and Writ of Possession: Upholding Contracts Absent Vitiated Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on writ of possession in foreclosure, contract validity, and consolidation of cases explained in plain language.
Defining Formally Charged Clarifying Dishonesty IN Administrative Cases
Collective Bargaining Agreements and Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on CBA disputes, grievance machinery, and voluntary arbitration jurisdiction in labor cases.
When Is a Public Official "Formally Charged"? Supreme Court Clarifies in Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a government employee is considered "formally charged," ruling that mere complaints pending preliminary investigation do not amount to formal charges.
Reinstatement Pending Appeal: When a Reversed Labor Arbiter Ruling Still Means No Refund
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reinstatement pending appeal, payroll reinstatement, and when reversed labor arbiter decisions require no salary refund.
Treachery Defined Ensuring Justice FOR Victims OF Sudden Attacks IN THE Philippines
Reinstatement Pending Appeal Employees Right TO Wages Despite Subsequent Reversal
When a labor arbiter orders reinstatement pending appeal, the employee is entitled to wages even if the decision is later reversed on appeal.
Lis Pendens Cancellation: Estate Settlement Finality vs Unrelated Agreements
When a judicially approved compromise ends estate proceedings, lis pendens on covered property may be deemed cancelled under PD 1529.
Writ of Possession and Foreclosure: When a Threat to Foreclose Does Not Vitiate Consent
Supreme Court ruling on extrajudicial foreclosure, simulated contracts, and why a threat to enforce a legal claim does not vitiate consent.
Municipal Immunity vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Interest and Private Rights
Supreme Court clarifies when local governments can be sued on contracts and why their properties remain protected from attachment.
Court Premises Are Not for Commercial Use: A Lesson in Judicial Dignity
Philippine Supreme Court rules that Halls of Justice must be used exclusively for judicial functions, not commercial activities like raffle draws.
Accountability Behind Bars: Holding Court Cashiers Liable for Fund Shortages
Court clerks and cashiers face administrative liability for delayed remittance of fiduciary funds, even after full restitution, as shown in this 2010 ruling.
Chain of Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect because police failed to follow Section 21, RA 9165 chain of custody rules.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Sudden Attacks and the Limits of Self-Defense
The Supreme Court explains when a sudden, unexpected attack qualifies as treachery, raising murder to reclusion perpetua.
Deceptive Promises in Overseas Job Scams: Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
Supreme Court ruling explains when fake overseas job promises constitute both illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa.