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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Defining Regular Employment: The Case of Dealco Farms and the Comboys
The Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular employment under Philippine labor law, emphasizing the employer's business nature and the employee's role.
Breaking the Chain: How Involuntary Interruptions Allow a Fourth Term Despite Term Limits
The Supreme Court explains when an involuntary break in service resets the three-term limit for local officials under Philippine law.
Real Property Tax: Who Is the Actual User in a BOT Agreement?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on real property tax exemption under a Build-Operate-Transfer agreement and who qualifies as actual user.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client and Failing to Report Case Developments
Attorney suspended three months for mishandling a client's defense, failing to report developments, and neglecting to appeal an adverse decision.
Forged Deeds and Buyer Beware: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines
A disbarment case reveals how forged deeds and unpaid balances can put Philippine land titles at risk, and why buyers must verify.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees Protecting Clients From Unconscionable Contingency Agreements
Due Process Rights of Public Officials When Administrative Charges Fail
A public official cannot be held liable for a vague charge never pleaded, nor for a document whose authenticity remains unresolved.
When Acquittal Extinguishes Civil Liability: Understanding Reckless Imprudence Cases
Learn how acquittal in reckless imprudence cases affects civil liability, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings and key legal principles.
Standing to Sue for Reversion of Public Lands: The Real Party in Interest Rule
Who may sue to cancel titles over foreshore land? The Supreme Court clarifies that only the State, through the Solicitor General, may bring reversion actions.
Judicial Accountability: Death Does Not Erase Negligence in Office
The Supreme Court clarifies that a judge's death does not automatically erase findings of negligence, though it may affect the penalty imposed.
Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Supreme Court Upholds Protection for Overseas Workers
The Supreme Court affirms convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, protecting overseas workers from fraudulent recruiters.
Brokers Entitlement Commission Rights Despite Sale Circumvention
Retroactive Application OF Jurisprudence Clarifying THE Ombudsmans Authority
Overcoming Fraud Claims Clear Proof Required FOR Land Title Reconveyance IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on reconveyance: fraud must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, not mere allegations.
When Mootness Obscures Justice THE Dismissal OF AN Estafa Case DUE TO Supervening Events
Bouncing Checks and Broken Promises: Estafa Conviction Affirmed in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court affirms estafa conviction for bouncing checks, ruling that deceit exists even with prior business relations and contracts.
COA's Power to Audit Public Contracts: Lessons from Lotrim v. Commission on Audit
Supreme Court affirms COA's broad audit powers and the binding effect of procedural rules in government contract disputes.
Refund of Creditable Withholding Taxes: Proving Entitlement and Accurate Income Declaration
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on claiming tax refunds for creditable withholding taxes and the importance of accurate income declaration.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Lessons from People v. Sameniano
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on conspiracy, treachery, and a credible lone eyewitness.
Breach of Preliminary Attachment: Officials Liable for Undue Injury Under RA 3019
Supreme Court rules local officials who released retention money despite a writ of preliminary attachment face criminal liability under RA 3019.
Due Process and Arrest Warrants: Notice Requirements in Summary Procedure Cases
When can a court issue an arrest warrant in summary procedure cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirement and due process rules.
Agrarian Dispute Jurisdiction: DARAB Prevails Over Civil Courts in Tenancy Conflicts
When a land dispute involves tenancy, jurisdiction belongs to DARAB, not regular courts. The Supreme Court explains why.
Sharia Court Jurisdiction Determining Muslim Status For Estate Settlement
The Supreme Court clarifies when Sharia District Courts may hear estate cases and determine if a deceased person was Muslim.