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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blood AS A Public Resource Upholding THE National Blood Services ACT AND ITS Phase OUT OF Commercial Blood Banks
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.
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.
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.
Supervening Events Resolving Property Disputes Between Ownership AND Possession
When a final quieting of title ruling overturns an earlier ejectment judgment, the latter becomes unenforceable.
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.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Ownership: Proving Agricultural Leasehold Agreements
When does a tiller become a tenant? The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites of agricultural leasehold and its effect on ejectment cases.
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.
Trust Receipts vs Mortgage: Who Owns the Goods in Philippine Law?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trust receipts versus chattel mortgages, ownership disputes, and the rights of entrustors over mortgaged goods.
POEA Contract or Labor Code: Which Governs Seafarer Rights in Domestic Waters?
Supreme Court clarifies when a POEA-approved seafarer contract ends and the Labor Code takes over for domestic voyages.