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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Usurpation of Authority, Preventive Suspension, and Fraud Upon Government
Explaining when a suspended official's act of reassuming office constitutes fraud upon government under Section 13 of RA 3019.
Fiscal Autonomy vs Budgetary Control: Protecting Constitutional Commissions' Independence
The Supreme Court rules on the scope of fiscal autonomy for constitutional commissions, striking down the "no report, no release" policy.
Fiscal Autonomy of Constitutional Commissions: The "No Report, No Release" Rule Struck Down
Supreme Court rules DBM cannot impose conditions or withhold funds from fiscally autonomous bodies like the Civil Service Commission.
Upholding Integrity: Consequences of Dishonesty in Public Service
A sheriff's dismissal for grave misconduct and dishonesty, and a judge's liability for procedural lapses, explained.
Firearms Possession When Does a Gun Ban Trump Illegal Possession Charges
The Supreme Court explains when Republic Act No. 8294 bars a separate conviction for illegal possession of firearms if another crime was committed.
Prescription and Reconveyance: Property Rights and Time Limits in the Philippines
Understand when actions for reconveyance prescribe in the Philippines, based on a Supreme Court ruling on property rights and time limits.
Online Abuse Conviction Upheld: SC Rules on VAWC and Social Media Evidence
The Supreme Court affirms a VAWC conviction for a public Facebook post, ruling that social media use raises the penalty by one degree.
Most Favored Treatment Clause in Telecom: What PLDT v. Bacolod Means for Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that Section 23 of RA 7925 does not grant automatic tax exemptions to telecom companies. Learn what this means.
Bias Claims Against Judges: What Evidence Philippine Courts Require
Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for proving judicial bias and partiality in administrative complaints against Philippine judges.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Agrarian Reform Succession and Prescription: De Tumol v. Esguerra
The Supreme Court ruled that a daughter's claim to succeed her father's farmholding was barred by prescription and laches, upholding the DAR order favoring her brother.
Customs Search vs Unlawful Seizure: Limits of Airport Security
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless customs searches at airports, balancing constitutional rights against anti-smuggling enforcement.
Motion vs Action in Title Disputes After Execution Sales: Key Lessons from Padilla v. PPCMA
When can a buyer at execution sale get new titles by mere motion? The Supreme Court clarifies the proper remedy under PD 1529.
PLDT v. City of Bacolod: The Limits of the Most-Favored-Treatment Clause in Tax Exemptions
The Supreme Court rules that the most-favored-treatment clause in R.A. 7925 does not grant tax exemptions to telecommunications companies.
Judicial Impartiality Upholding Fair Court Proceedings IN Family Disputes
Duty vs Discretion: When Court Employees' Conduct Falls Short
A sheriff's duty to execute a writ is ministerial, not discretionary. The Supreme Court explains why delays in implementing court orders constitute dereliction of duty.
Employer Status and Return-to-Work Orders: PLDT v. MKP on Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of the Labor Secretary's power to exclude redundant workers from return-to-work orders under Article 263(g).
Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals and the Lost Appeal
In Jaramillo v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court held that a client is bound by counsel's negligence and that certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Upholding Employee Rights Constructive Dismissal AND THE Duty TO Reinstate
Preliminary Injunction vs. Government Bidding: PPA v. Cipres Stevedoring (G.R. No. 145742)
The Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot stop government cargo handling bids, and that a hold-over permit creates no vested right to a contract.
Protecting the Vulnerable: Upholding Rape Conviction Despite Victim's Mental Retardation
The Supreme Court affirms a rape conviction, ruling that a mentally retarded victim's straightforward testimony remains credible and sufficient for conviction.
Business TAX Accrual Clarifying Taxable Period Upon Business Retirement
Quitclaims in Labor Disputes: When Voluntary Settlements Are Valid and Binding
The Supreme Court clarifies when quitclaims in labor disputes are valid, emphasizing voluntary agreement and reasonable settlement over mere allegations of coercion.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Substantiation Required for Valid Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove breach of trust with substantial evidence before terminating employees for loss of confidence.