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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Losing Your Day in Court: Understanding the Strict Rules of Appeal in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that permanent injunctions cannot bar government banks from foreclosing mortgages, and explains the limits of moral damages.
Usury Law and Loan Obligations: Balancing Lender Rights and Borrower Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on 21% interest validity, 3% monthly surcharge nullity, and borrower obligations under the Usury Law.
State Control vs Foreign Assistance: The Scope of Mining Agreements Under the Constitution
The Supreme Court clarifies that foreign-assisted mining agreements under Article XII must preserve state control, not bar foreign participation.
Airport Fee Hikes Require Notice and Public Hearing: MIAA Rate Increases Void
Supreme Court nullifies MIAA fee increases for lack of notice and public hearing, affirming the DOTC Secretary's authority over rate revisions.
Squatting Decriminalized: The Extinction of Civil Liability Following the Repeal of Anti-Squatting Law
The Supreme Court acquits a man charged under the Revised Forestry Code, clarifying that even mala prohibita offenses require proof of intent.
Reconstituting Lost Land Titles: Supreme Court Clarifies Standards for Judicial Reconstitution
Supreme Court clarifies the rules and evidence needed to reconstitute a lost or destroyed land title under Republic Act No. 26.
Dismissal of Complaint: Balancing Promptness and the Pursuit of Justice in Philippine Courts
When can a court dismiss a complaint for lack of authority and improper certification? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on real parties-in-interest and appeal remedies.
Upholding Disciplinary Authority: Administrative Dismissal Despite Procedural Technicalities
The Supreme Court affirms that a government agency's disciplinary authority prevails over procedural technicalities in administrative dismissal cases.
Real Property Sale Obligations: Who Pays Registration and Capital Gains Tax
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on vendor obligations for registration expenses, eviction of occupants, and capital gains tax in property sales.
Who Pays Capital Gains Tax and Sale Registration Costs in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who bears capital gains tax and registration expenses in property sales, distinguishing obligations of individual and corporate sellers.
The Mandatory Bail Hearing Rule: Why Judges Cannot Grant Bail Without One
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bail hearings are mandatory, even when the prosecution does not object, and what happens when judges skip them.
Fair Comment vs Defamation: Protecting Free Speech in Political Campaigns
The Supreme Court explains when critical articles about political candidates are protected fair comment, not libel.
Judicial Efficiency vs Extenuating Circumstances: Releasing Retirement Benefits Despite Delays
The Supreme Court dismissed a gross inefficiency complaint against a retiring judge, ruling that heavy caseloads and lack of personnel can excuse delays in deciding cases.
Qualified Theft vs Estafa: Defining Possession in Bank Teller Cases
When does a bank teller's misappropriation of funds constitute qualified theft rather than estafa? The Supreme Court clarifies the key distinction.
Constructive Dismissal: The Employer's Duty to Offer Reasonable Assignments
When a security guard was left without assignments for months after his post ended, the Supreme Court ruled this constituted constructive dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Requires Intent to Sever Employment Ties
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment as a ground for dismissal requires both absence and clear intent to sever employment ties.
Mass Actions by Government Teachers: When Peaceful Assembly Becomes an Offense
Public school teachers who joined mass actions in 1990 were held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
Constructive Dismissal: When a Work Reduction Becomes Unfair Labor Practice
When does reducing workdays become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains in Unicorn Safety Glass v. Basarte.
When Judges Cannot Notarize Documents: Limits on Notarial Authority and Admissibility in Philippine Law
Supreme Court clarifies when judges may notarize documents, why invalid notarization affects admissibility, and what makes a deed private.
Perfected Sales vs. Recovery of Property: Understanding Real Actions in Philippine Law
When is a suit for specific performance actually a real action for recovery of property? The Supreme Court clarifies in Jimenez v. Jordana.
Victory Liner Liability: Breach of Contract of Carriage and Passenger Safety
Supreme Court ruling on common carrier liability for passenger death, negligence of counsel, and damages in breach of contract of carriage.
Strikes and Public Service: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in Government Employment
Public school teachers who joined a 1990 mass action were disciplined for conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. The Supreme Court explains why.
When Economic Hardship Doesnt Justify Termination: Separation Pay Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, separation pay, and backwages when economic hardship is not a valid cause for termination.
CHR Fiscal Autonomy: DBM Approval Needed for Staffing Changes
Supreme Court rules CHR lacks fiscal autonomy and cannot upgrade or create positions without DBM approval under the Salary Standardization Law.