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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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.
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.
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.
Court Clerk Fined for Neglecting Ministerial Duty to Enforce Writs of Execution
Philippine Supreme Court holds court clerks and sheriffs must enforce writs with dispatch; refusal based on personal doubts is dereliction of duty.
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.
Heirs' Rights: Written Notice Is Key for Legal Redemption in Extrajudicial Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: publication of an extrajudicial settlement does not bind non-participating heirs, and written notice is required before legal redemption.
Legality of Buy-Bust Operations in Philippine Drug Cases: An In-Depth Analysis
The Supreme Court affirms buy-bust operations as lawful entrapment in drug cases, clarifying penalties under RA 9165 regardless of drug quantity.
Balancing Property Rights and Public Welfare: When Can the Government Demolish a Structure
The Supreme Court clarifies when the government may demolish structures on public land and the limits of its power.
Ethical Obligations Mitigating Penalties for Dishonesty in Public Service Based on Humanitarian Grounds
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a party declared in default may still appeal, and why humanitarian arguments cannot excuse dishonesty in public service.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.
Upholding Final Judgments THE Limits OF DAR Authority IN Land Conversion Disputes
Procedural Rules vs Substantial Justice: When Technicalities Take a Backseat
The Supreme Court affirms that minor procedural lapses in appellate briefs should not trump substantive rights and substantial justice.
Vitiated Consent in Marriage: Duress, Intimidation, and the Burden of Proof
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what proves duress or intimidation in marriage annulment cases and the damages that follow.
Judicial Employee Misconduct: Ethical Standards Apply Even Outside Official Duties
The Supreme Court holds court employees accountable for misconduct even in private acts, citing a process server's assault as a breach of judicial ethics.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction: Defining Government-Owned Corporations and Official Authority in Graft Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court defined government-owned corporations and official authority for Sandiganbayan jurisdiction in graft cases.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
When Can the Solicitor General Represent Public Officials: Clarifying Conflicts of Interest in Damage Suits
The Supreme Court clarifies the Solicitor General's authority to represent public officials and the limits of court jurisdiction over customs seizures.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Upholding Integrity Consequences FOR Defying Court Orders AND Tampering With Raffle Results
Customs Has Exclusive Jurisdiction Over Seized Vehicles, Not Replevin Courts
The Supreme Court ruled that regional trial courts cannot take custody of goods already seized by the Bureau of Customs through a replevin suit.
When Can a Company Be Bound by Its Officers' Promises to Employees
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a company is estopped from denying its officers' commitments to employees on tax liabilities.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that appellate courts may relax procedural rules on briefs to serve substantial justice, not strict technicality.