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.
Voluntary Appearance and Motion to Dismiss: When Filing Confers Jurisdiction in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when filing a motion to dismiss without raising lack of jurisdiction constitutes voluntary appearance.
Just Compensation for Right-of-Way Easement: Full Market Value, Not 10% Fee
When power lines cross private land, owners may get full market value, not just a 10% easement fee.
Bank Liability for Encashing Irregular Checks: The Philippine Racing Club Case
When a bank encashes checks with obvious irregularities, it may bear liability. The Supreme Court explains the duty of care.
Illegal Dismissal vs AWOL: When a Security Guard's Absence Is Not Abandonment
Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a worker's absence is illegal dismissal, not AWOL or abandonment, and the rules on off-detail status.
Voluntary Appearance and Summons: Protecting Property Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a defendant's court filings waive defective summons, protecting property rights in quieting title cases.
Judicial Restraint Limits on Contempt Power and Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court fines a judge P40,000 for citing a driver in contempt over a parking space, stressing restraint and due process in contempt cases.
Due Process vs Abandonment: Balancing Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that valid dismissal for abandonment still requires due process; employers must pay nominal damages for notice violations.
Abandonment of Work and Due Process: When Dismissal Is Valid but Still Costs the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandoning work is a just cause for dismissal, but employers who skip the two-notice rule still pay nominal damages.
Mining Rights and Corporate Authorization: The Crucial Role of Proper Board Authority in Legal Actions
A Supreme Court ruling on why corporations must secure proper board authorization for legal certifications, and the strict rules on mining disputes.
Robbery With Homicide: When the Killing Lacks the Required Connection to the Robbery
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a killing is "by reason or on the occasion" of robbery, and when separate crimes result instead.
Voter Registration Integrity False Statements AND Election Candidacy
SC ruling on double voter registration and false statements in certificates of candidacy under Section 78 of the Omnibus Election Code.
No More Extensions for Certiorari Petitions: The Strict 60-Day Rule Under A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC
The Supreme Court clarifies that courts can no longer grant extensions for Rule 65 certiorari petitions after A.M. No. 07-7-12-SC deleted the allowance.
Stipulation Pour Autrui: The Beneficiary's Right and Timely Acceptance
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies stipulation pour autrui requisites, acceptance timing, and repurchase rights under Article 1606 in Narvaez v. Alciso.
Retirement Rights Prevail Resolving Appointment Disputes IN Philippine Civil Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how retirement moots appointment disputes in civil service reorganization cases.
Prescription and Land Ownership: Protecting the Rights of Long-Term Land Possessors
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how the right to repurchase land works, when acceptance of a contract benefit is valid, and why builders on their own land need no protection.
When Retirement Moots a Disapproved Appointment: CSC vs. Tahanlangit
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that optional retirement during the appeal period renders a CSC appointment disapproval moot.
Election Appeal Fees and Estoppel: Divinagracia v. Comelec Explained
The Supreme Court rules that belatedly questioning unpaid election appeal fees may be barred by estoppel by laches. Learn the rules.
Upholding Judicial Efficiency: Disciplinary Actions for Delayed Case Resolution in the Philippine Judiciary
The Supreme Court holds judges and clerks of court accountable for delayed case resolution, reinforcing the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
When Does a Retirement Moot an Appointment Disapproval? A CSC Case Study
Explore Civil Service Commission v. Tahanlangit, where the Supreme Court ruled on when retirement renders an appointment disapproval moot.
Attorney Disqualification When Client Loyalty Trumps Informal Advice
A lawyer who gives informal advice can still form a client-lawyer relationship; representing opposing interests leads to disbarment.
Entrapment vs Instigation: Chain of Custody in Drug Offenses
The Supreme Court acquits a drug suspect due to a broken chain of custody, explaining the rules on entrapment and evidence integrity.
Mental Retardation and Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: People v. Martinez
The Supreme Court affirms that mental retardation alone does not disqualify a rape victim from testifying credibly.
Lost Appeal Timeliness Rules in Expropriation Cases in the Philippines
When must an expropriation appeal be filed? Philippine Supreme Court clarifies appeal timeliness rules in land compensation cases.
Spousal Consent in Real Estate Sales: When a Sale Without It Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why selling conjugal property without the wife's consent makes the sale void, explained in plain language.