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.
Public Hearing Imperative Invalidating Ordinances Without Community Input
A municipal ordinance imposing goodwill fees without a valid prior public hearing is void, the Supreme Court rules.
Compromise Agreements and Illegitimate Filiation: When Settlements Violate Public Policy
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: compromise agreements on filiation and civil status are void. Learn the public policy limits on settlements.
Emancipation Patents and Land Ownership: Protecting Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries
Learn how emancipation patents vest absolute ownership in farmer-beneficiaries, and why temporary surrender of possession does not mean abandonment.
Corporate Liability and Bouncing Checks: Clarifying the Scope of B.P. Blg. 22
The Supreme Court clarifies that corporations cannot be impleaded in B.P. 22 cases, but creditors may still pursue separate civil actions against them.
Legislative Inquiries vs Sub Judice: Balancing Congressional Power and Individual Rights
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Romero v. Estrada on legislative inquiries, the sub judice rule, and witness rights.
Relief From Judgment Not Available in the Supreme Court: Purcon v. MRM Philippines
The Supreme Court explains why a petition for relief from judgment under Rule 38 cannot be filed in the High Court.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Certiorari vs Appeal: Choosing the Right Path for Legal Review in the Philippines
Learn when to file a petition for certiorari versus an appeal under Rule 45, explained through a Philippine Supreme Court labor case.
Defining Confidential Employees: Balancing Labor Rights and Management Prerogatives in Collective Bargaining
Supreme Court ruling on confidential employees in bargaining units and acting capacity pay, balancing labor rights with management prerogatives.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
Forum Shopping Dismissal of Land Registration Application Over Larger Properties
When does opposing a land registration application become forum shopping? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Calinisan v. Court of Appeals.
Balancing Infant Health and Commercial Freedom: Limits on Restricting Breast Milk Substitute Ads
The Supreme Court struck down parts of the DOH's 2006 rules banning breast milk substitute ads, ruling the agency exceeded the Milk Code.
Disbarred Lawyer's Continued Practice: Indirect Contempt and the Supreme Court's Warning
The Supreme Court held a disbarred lawyer in indirect contempt for continuing to practice law, underscoring the permanence of disbarment and the judiciary's authority.
Reversion of Land Titles: Public Domain vs Private Claims in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on when certificates of title over public domain land, including timberlands, are void and subject to reversion.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
New Trial After Final Judgment: The Dinglasan Case on B.P. 22 and Procedural Remedies
When can a convicted accused seek a new trial based on newly discovered evidence? The Supreme Court explains the limits.
Military Discipline vs Civilian Courts: Jurisdiction Over Service-Connected Offenses
Supreme Court clarifies when military personnel face court-martial for service-connected offenses under RA 7055, citing the Oakwood mutiny case.
Judicial Accountability: Good Faith Exception for Erroneous Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that judges cannot be disciplined for erroneous rulings made in good faith, absent fraud or malice.
Quieting Title and Due Process: Notice of Raffle and Voluntary Submission to Jurisdiction
Learn how notice of raffle and voluntary appearance affect jurisdiction in quieting title cases, based on a 2006 Supreme Court ruling.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.