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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Barangay vs. Homeowners: Who Administers a Multi-Purpose Hall?
The Supreme Court clarifies the division of authority between barangays and homeowners' associations over government-funded facilities in subdivisions.
Breach of Marital Vows: Attorney's Immoral Conduct and the Legal Profession
Supreme Court rules on lawyer-client affair, immorality as professional misconduct, and penalties for breaching marital vows.
The Limits of Administrative Authority: Personal Misconduct vs Official Duties
When does a judge's personal relationship become an administrative liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between personal conduct and official duty in this ruling on judicial delay.
Seasonal Work vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
When are "seasonal" workers considered regular employees? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction and its impact on security of tenure.
Compromise Agreements and Employee Rights: When Settlements Don't Erase Prior Illegal Dismissals
A compromise agreement settles monetary claims but doesn't erase a prior ruling of illegal dismissal, especially for non-signatories.
Tolerance Ends Unlawful Detainer AND Property Rights IN THE Philippines
When does tolerated possession become unlawful detainer? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on jurisdiction, demand, and ownership claims.
Res Judicata Bars Re-Litigating Security of Tenure in Agrarian Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how final judgments bar re-litigation of security of tenure claims in agrarian disputes.
COA Overpayment Recovery Upheld: Quantum Meruit in Government Contracts
Supreme Court affirms COA's order for a contractor to return overpayments, clarifying quantum meruit and due process in government audit cases.
Employee Status Under the Control and Economic Reality Tests in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies how the control test and economic reality test determine employee status in Philippine labor law.
Loss of Trust and Confidence: When Can an Employer Dismiss an Employee?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the legal standard for dismissing an employee on grounds of loss of trust and confidence.
Breach of Contract Rescission and the Importance of Proving Payment
A buyer who claims full payment must prove it with credible evidence; the Supreme Court explains rescission under Article 1191.
Ombudsman Authority and Administrative Liability: The Barillo Case on Dishonesty in Public Service
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling on administrative liability for dishonesty in public service, citing the Barillo case and its implications.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Agency vs Assignment: Who Is the Real Party in Interest in Contract Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a representative is an agent rather than an assignee, and who may sue on a contract.
Upholding Finality When CAN Land Reclassification Be Contested
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land conversion finality, real party interest, and agrarian reform beneficiary status under CARL.
Execution of Judgment in Intra-Corporate Disputes: Ensuring Compliance with Dispositive Portions
The Supreme Court clarifies that execution of judgment must strictly follow the dispositive portion, ensuring compliance in intra-corporate disputes.
Duty to Prosecute: Dismissal for Failure to Actively Pursue a Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a case may be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what counts as justifiable cause.
Sheriffs Must Obey Court Orders: Due Process in Implementing Writs of Demolition
A sheriff who proceeds with demolition despite a court order to defer commits simple misconduct. Learn the rules from Gonzales v. Cabigao.
Land Reform Heirs' Rights and the Social Function of Land Ownership
Supreme Court ruling on PD 27 land reform: heirs, not former owners, hold rights to beneficiary's farmland even amid unpaid amortizations.
Equitable Mortgage vs Option to Buy: Distinguishing Intent in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a sale with option to buy becomes an equitable mortgage, and the evidence needed to prove it.
Breach of Parental Trust: Rape of a Minor and the Abolition of the Death Penalty
The Supreme Court affirms a father's qualified rape conviction but reduces the death penalty to reclusion perpetua under R.A. 9346.
Failure to Appear at Judgment Promulgation: Losing Legal Remedies in Criminal Cases
In criminal cases, skipping judgment promulgation without justifiable cause forfeits remedies like appeal or reconsideration. The Supreme Court explains.
Execution of Intra-Corporate Judgments: When Reliefs Align With the Dispositive Portion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for execution may seek reliefs that go beyond a judgment's dispositive portion in intra-corporate disputes.
Rape in the Victim's Home: When Dwelling Aggravates the Crime
Philippine Supreme Court explains when "dwelling" aggravates rape, and how RA 9346 changed the penalty from death to reclusion perpetua.