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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Real Property Tax on Government Land: When the Beneficial User Pays
The Supreme Court explains when a government-owned corporation is the "beneficial user" of public land and must pay real property tax.
Unbilled Electricity Consumption: When Can a Utility Company Charge You
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when electric utilities can charge consumers for unbilled consumption due to alleged meter tampering.
When Can an Employee Be Dropped From the Rolls? Understanding AWOL and Due Process
The Supreme Court explains when government employees may be dropped from the rolls for AWOL without prior notice or hearing.
Tenant's Right of Redemption Under Philippine Agrarian Reform: Key Lessons from Planters Development Bank v. G
Understand the tenant's right of redemption under Philippine agrarian law through the Supreme Court's ruling in Planters Development Bank v. Garcia.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When Repatriation Doesn't End Your Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers repatriated due to vessel sale may still claim disability benefits under POEA contract.
Choosing Foreclosure Vendor Cant Demand Unpaid Balance After Seizing Property
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a vendor who forecloses a chattel mortgage cannot also sue for the unpaid balance. Article 1484 explained.
Probationary Employment in Academia: Ateneo's Right to Set Standards for Faculty Retention
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that universities may set their own standards for probationary faculty retention, and how the Manual of Regulations for Private Schools applies.
The Price of Delay: Judicial Accountability for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for delayed decisions underscores the 90-day rule and judicial accountability in the Philippines.
When Final Is Final: Ejectment Orders and Socialized Housing Claims
The Supreme Court upheld an ejectment and demolition order, ruling that a lost appeal cannot be replaced by certiorari and that RA 7279 protections require proof of beneficiary status.
Upholding Procedural Rules: Why Filing Deadlines Matter in Appeals
A Supreme Court ruling shows why missed appeal deadlines and improper certiorari petitions can lead to immediate eviction and demolition.
Interpreting Contracts When Subsequent Means After THE Agreement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract interpretation: "subsequent administrative orders" means orders issued after the contract's signing date.
Supreme Court Strikes Down SSS Retirement Date Restriction on Survivor's Pension
The Supreme Court declared unconstitutional the SSS rule limiting survivor's pension to beneficiaries "as of the date of retirement," ruling it violates due process and equal protection.
Bigamy and Presumptive Death: When a Second Marriage Becomes a Crime
The Supreme Court explains why a judicial declaration of presumptive death is required before remarrying, and when bigamy applies.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies in DENR Land Disputes: Key Lessons from Morcal v. Laviña
Learn the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies in DENR land disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Morcal v. Laviña.
Poor Performance vs Neglect: Defining Just Cause for Employee Termination in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when poor work performance justifies termination and when it does not, explaining the legal distinction.
Waiver and the Family Home Claiming Exemption From Execution in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a family home exemption from execution is lost through waiver or delay in claiming it.
Real Estate Installment Cancellation Rules Under the Maceda Law: Key Lessons from Fabrigas v. San Francisco De
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies Maceda Law cancellation rules, novation, and ratification in installment contract disputes.
Truth and Oath in Attorney Discipline: When Perjury Allegations Against Lawyers Fail
Explaining Asturias v. Serrano, where the Supreme Court dismissed disbarment complaints for lack of clear evidence of willful falsehood.
Presidential Proclamations and Land Ownership: Military Reservations in the Philippines
Can a presidential proclamation override private land claims? The Supreme Court clarifies how military reservations affect ownership rights.
Land Dispute Priority Rights of Actual Occupants vs Formal Applicants
Supreme Court ruling on whether actual occupants or formal applicants have priority rights in public land disposition cases under Philippine law.
Land Dispute Prior Rights Fraud Allegations IN Property Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, prior rights, and fraud allegations in property sales explained for everyday readers.
Agrarian Reform and Jurisdictional Boundaries: Clarifying DARAB's Role in CLOA Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction in CLOA disputes, distinguishing agrarian disputes from administrative implementation of agrarian reform laws.
Annulment of Judgment: Abuse of Discretion vs. Lack of Jurisdiction in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that grave abuse of discretion is not a ground for annulment of judgment, which requires extrinsic fraud or lack of jurisdiction.
Easement Rights Prevail: Right of Way Protection Despite Title Deficiencies in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on easement of right-of-way, actual knowledge, and protection despite unregistered title annotations.