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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Upholding Regional Autonomy National Laws Must Respect Powers of Muslim Mindanao
The Supreme Court affirms that national laws cannot override ARMM autonomy, striking down a law that encroached on devolved powers.
LGU Right to Immediate Possession in Expropriation: City of Iloilo v. Legaspi
When can an LGU take immediate possession of private property in expropriation? The Supreme Court explains the 15% deposit rule.
Proper Parties in Appeals: Identifying the Real Party in Interest
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who must be named as respondents in appeals, emphasizing the real party-in-interest rule under Rule 45.
Supreme Court: DBM Must Implement Judicial Rulings on Judges' Benefits
The Supreme Court directs DBM to release disability benefits to judges' heirs, affirming that judicial interpretation of law is final and binding.
When Real Estate Disputes Belong in Regular Courts, Not HLURB
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lot sale dispute falls under regular court jurisdiction rather than HLURB's exclusive authority.
Forum Shopping Certification and Corporate Representation: A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
Learn the Philippine Supreme Court's rules on forum shopping certifications, corporate representation, and who must sign pleadings to avoid dismissal.
Judicial Overreach: The Limits of Injunction Power in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's void writ of injunction clarifies the territorial and procedural limits of injunctive relief in the Philippines.
When Is a Company Liable for an Agent's Unauthorized Acts? The Manila Memorial Park Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when a principal is bound by an agent's unauthorized acts, and when third persons must bear the risk.
When Time Is Not of the Essence: Contractual Delay and Obligations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when delay in delivery does not breach a contract and when time is not of the essence.
Procedural Lapses and Labor Rights: Understanding the Correct Appeal Process in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Learn how procedural errors in illegal dismissal cases affect appeals, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings on judicial remedies.
Overlapping Land Titles: Registration Date and Reconstitution Validity in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts resolve conflicting land titles, weighing registration dates, reconstitution validity, and evidence of ownership.
Injunctions in Land Disputes: The Need for a Clear Legal Right
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when preliminary injunctions may issue in land disputes, requiring a clear and unmistakable right.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Perfecting Appeals in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on late payment of appellate docket fees and dismissal of appeals under Rule 41.
Shareholder Derivative Suits and Private Prosecutor Intervention in Falsification Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when a shareholder suit is truly derivative and when private prosecutors may intervene in criminal falsification cases.
Compromise Agreements When Concealed Property Values Invalidate Settlements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when concealed property values in compromise agreements constitute extrinsic fraud that invalidates settlements.
Judicial Accountability: When Judges Face Administrative Complaints and Their Consequences
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on judicial accountability, administrative complaints against judges, and when suspension or dismissal is warranted.
Tuition Dispute Schools Cant Impose Fees MID Semester
Schools cannot impose new fees mid-semester after enrollment. The Supreme Court explains student rights and contract obligations.
Equity Prevails When Unjust Enrichment Trumps Landlord Tenant Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee's estoppel to deny lessor's title yields to equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Unauthorized Notarization Lawyers Face Suspension FOR Expired Commissions
Notarizing documents without a valid commission is lawyer misconduct. A Supreme Court ruling shows the penalties for unauthorized notarization.
Security of Tenure vs Political Patronage: Protecting Civil Service Employees From Unlawful Dismissal
When a mayor forced a municipal engineer to resign or transfer, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that civil service security of tenure cannot be sacrificed to political patronage.
Upholding Compromise Agreements, HLURB Jurisdiction, and Contractual Obligations in Property Sales
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the HLURB has jurisdiction over property disputes and affirms that compromise agreements bind parties unless vitiated or void.
Corporate Authority and Timely Filing: Navigating Court Procedures in Land Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies rules on corporate authorization and filing deadlines in land dispute appeals.
Retroactivity of Procedural Rules Safeguarding Timely Appeals in Labor Disputes
How a procedural rule change saved a dismissed worker's appeal: the Supreme Court on retroactivity of Rule 65 amendments.
Judicial Accountability: Delay in Case Resolution and the Judge's Duty to Expedite Justice
The Supreme Court fined a retiring judge for undue delay in resolving cases, underscoring every judge's duty to decide cases promptly.