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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Accountability Above Procedure Mayors Cannot Bypass Essential Checks IN Fund Disbursement
Chain OF Custody Safeguarding Drug Evidence IN Philippine Courts 2
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Market Value vs. Statutory Factors
The Supreme Court rules that courts must follow Section 17 of RA 6657 and DAR formulas, not just market data, in fixing just compensation.
Revival of Judgment Safeguarding Property Rights After Forcible Entry
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-owner recovery actions, tenant protections under P.D. 1517, and property rights enforcement.
Bidding Integrity Strict Compliance Prevails Over Agency Discretion In Government Procurement
Supreme Court nullifies a government contract award where the winning bid failed technical specifications, reaffirming strict compliance in public bidding.
Mortgage Validity and Foreclosure: Protecting Property Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a mortgage is void, how redemption periods work, and why prior judgments bind parties in foreclosure disputes.
In Ejectment, Courts Cannot Decide Issues Beyond the Pleadings
In Sioson v. Heirs of Avanceña, the Court rules ejectment courts cannot adjudicate claims over property not alleged in the complaint—only the disputed lot's possession is at issue.
Certification Elections: No Forum Shopping Certificate, Union Legitimacy Rules
Supreme Court clarifies that certification election petitions need no non-forum shopping certificate and explains union legitimacy rules in labor disputes.
Amnesty Limits in the Olalia Murder Case: Political Belief vs Criminal Prosecution
The Supreme Court clarifies that amnesty grants are limited to crimes disclosed in applications, not blanket immunity from prosecution.
Breach OF Trust Dismissal FOR Misappropriation OF Court Funds IN THE Philippines
Judicial Impartiality: Why Judges Must Avoid Financial Dealings With Litigants
A judge borrowed money from a party-litigant in a pending case. The Supreme Court explains why this violates judicial conduct rules.
When Can a Court Interfere With Another Court's Judgment? Lessons From Jimmy T. Go
The Supreme Court explains the doctrine of non-interference between co-equal courts and when injunctions against execution are improper.
NEA Authority Over Electric Cooperatives: Regulation and Due Process Boundaries
Supreme Court ruling on NEA's supervisory power over electric cooperatives and the due process required in administrative removal cases.
Proof Beyond Doubt Establishing Heirship IN Property Disputes
Ejectment and Intervention: Protecting Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on ejectment cases, intervention timing, and the rights of non-parties bound by judgments.
Sufficiency OF Information Conspiracy AND THE Anti Graft LAW
Strike Illegality and Termination: When Prior NLRC Findings Suffice
Prior NLRC ruling that strikers committed illegal acts makes a strike ipso facto illegal, allowing valid dismissal without a separate petition.
Constructive Dismissal and Abandonment: When a Work Reduction Scheme Becomes Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between constructive dismissal and abandonment in labor cases, ruling on a hotel's work reduction scheme.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Force, Intimidation, and Carnal Knowledge in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies force, intimidation, and carnal knowledge in rape under RA 8353, affirming a conviction.
Dismissal of Appeal: The Duty of Diligence for Law Firms in Monitoring Case Deadlines
A reminder that law firms, not just individual lawyers, bear responsibility for missed deadlines, and why courts may dismiss appeals for late briefs.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: Employer Obligations for Medical Staff
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when nurses are independent contractors versus employees under Article 157 of the Labor Code.
Intentional Burning and Syndicate Aggravation: Defining Arson and Its Penalties in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies arson's elements and the syndicate aggravating circumstance that raises the penalty to reclusion perpetua.
Judicial Temperance: Upholding Courtroom Decorum and Judicial Conduct
Cañeda v. Menchavez explains why a judge who loses his temper and displays a firearm in court faces administrative discipline for unbecoming conduct.
Tenants' Rights vs. Landowners' Prerogatives: Balancing Agrarian Reform and Property Rights
When a forged compromise agreement taints a university's title to agrarian land, the Supreme Court rules on collateral attack and indefeasibility.