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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Eminent Domain and Injunction: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Explore how the Supreme Court protected a registered landowner's rights against the government's expropriation claim in Federated Realty v. Republic.
Res Ipsa Loquitur: When Negligence Speaks for Itself in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains how the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur allows accident victims to prove negligence through circumstantial evidence.
When Supervisors Abuse Authority: Labor Code Grounds for Valid Dismissal
A supervisor who made subordinates work at his house and lent money at high interest was validly dismissed for breach of trust under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Breach of Trust and Loss of Confidence as Grounds for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies dismissing a supervisor or managerial employee under the Labor Code.
Balancing Employer Rights AND Employee DUE Process IN Termination Cases
A supervisor’s dismissal for abuse of authority upheld: the Supreme Court clarifies the twin requirements of valid termination under Philippine labor law.
Navigating Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Multiple Lawsuits for the Same Issue
Learn what constitutes forum shopping in the Philippines and how courts determine if multiple lawsuits violate the rule, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Upholding Ethical Boundaries: Attorney-Client Privilege and Conflict of Interest in Disbarment Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers may be disciplined for representing conflicting interests, even across different cases and clients.
Filing a Motion to Reduce Appeal Bond Does Not Stop the Appeal Period
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: an employer's motion to reduce an NLRC appeal bond does not suspend the 10-day appeal period.
Employee Misconduct and Loss of Trust: When Off-Duty Actions Justify Dismissal in Philippine Labor Law
When can off-duty conduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court explains serious misconduct and loss of trust in Lopez v. NLRC.
Civil Service Eligibility Requirements for Government Positions in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified civil service eligibility rules for government appointments, using the Nazi v. Calingin case as a guide.
Judicial Accountability: A Judge's Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Penalty for Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling shows judges must decide cases within 90 days or face administrative sanctions, as illustrated by a 2005 case.
Can a Bank Reverse Its Acknowledgment of Full Payment? Philippine Law Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a bank can correct a mistaken acknowledgment of full loan payment and demand the balance.
Contractual Obligations: When Agreed Interest Rates in Land Sales Are Upheld
The Supreme Court upheld a 24% annual interest rate in an installment land sale, ruling that parties are bound by their contract absent any legal prohibition.
Environmental Law Protecting Watersheds and Enforcing Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on watershed protection, local government authority, and the permanent closure of the San Mateo landfill.
Fair Prosecution and Due Process: The Prosecutor's Role in Criminal Trials
When a judge allowed defense witnesses to testify without the prosecutor present, the Supreme Court reminded courts that the State is also entitled to due process.
Regular Employment vs Redundancy: Protecting Employee Rights in Termination Cases
Understand when probationary employees become regular, what proves valid redundancy, and how the Supreme Court safeguards security of tenure.
Upholding Client Loyalty: Employee Dismissed for Conflict of Interest in Unauthorized Work
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of Maynilad employee who did unauthorized paid repair work for a customer, ruling it was serious misconduct and conflict of interest.
Falsification of Private Documents: Intent to Damage Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine law requires proof of intent to cause damage for falsification of private documents. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
When Administrative Reconstitution Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court explains when a spurious Torrens title may be cancelled in administrative reconstitution proceedings without a separate court action.
Reconstitution of Lost Titles: When the LRA Can Cancel a Sham Torrens Title
The Supreme Court clarifies when the LRA and CA can order cancellation of a spurious Torrens title in administrative reconstitution proceedings.
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.
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.
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.
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.