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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Balancing Attorney Conduct: Upholding Dignity While Protecting Due Process in Legal Practice
SC ruling clarifies that pending criminal cases do not automatically warrant lawyer suspension, but offensive language against opposing counsel remains sanctionable.
Intra-Union Disputes: Jurisdiction Lies With the Bureau of Labor Relations
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Bureau of Labor Relations has exclusive jurisdiction over intra-union disputes, including elections of officers in government employee organizations.
Collateral Attacks ON Land Titles Upholding THE Integrity OF THE Torrens System IN Property Disputes
Finality of Judgments: Late Docket Fee Payment Dooms Appeal in Meatmasters Case
Learn how late payment of appellate docket fees affects judgment finality, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Meatmasters v. Lelis.
Due Process and the Duties of Counsel: Lessons from Palanca v. Guides
A 2005 Supreme Court ruling shows how the negligence of a lawyer binds the client, and how accepting payments without protest can waive a seller's claims.
Mining Disputes vs Judicial Questions: Jurisdiction of the Panel of Arbitrators
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Panel of Arbitrators has jurisdiction over mining disputes and when regular courts should hear cases involving contract validity.
Strikes at Sea: Balancing Seafarer Rights and Disciplinary Procedures in Maritime Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer dismissal for joining a strike, emphasizing due process in maritime disciplinary procedures.
Upholding Property Rights: Valid Ownership in Ejectment Cases
Supreme Court ruling clarifies that valid ownership is essential in ejectment cases, and only a true landowner can establish tenancy.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Contributory Negligence in Vehicle Accidents: How It Affects Damage Awards
Philippine Supreme Court explains how contributory negligence reduces damage awards in vehicle accidents, using the Lambert v. Heirs of Castillon case.
When a Judge's Private Letter Undermines Judicial Impartiality
Supreme Court reprimands a judge for writing university officials about his wife's cases, violating judicial conduct rules on impartiality.
Motion to Dismiss and the Imperative of Clear Reasoning in Court Resolutions
Why courts must clearly explain their rulings, and how the Supreme Court applies this principle in civil procedure.
Estate Claims and Heir Liability: Filing Requirements and Partition Validity
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified Rule 16 on motion to dismiss resolution, estate claims, and heir liability in Lu Ym v. Nabua.
Habeas Corpus A Limited Remedy FOR Violations OF Speedy Trial Rights IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that habeas corpus is not the proper remedy to enforce speedy trial rights, explaining available legal options.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
Taxing Electoral Contributions: Clarifying Gift Tax Law in Philippine Elections
Supreme Court ruling that political contributions are taxable gifts under the NIRC, absent an express exemption.
Civil Liability After Acquittal: Investment Fraud and Due Diligence in the Philippines
When does an acquittal in estafa still leave room for civil liability? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on damages, conspiracy, and investor due diligence.
Cockfighting Law vs Local Autonomy: Limits on Municipal Power to License Cockpits
The Supreme Court settles how many cockpits a municipality may license, balancing local autonomy against national police power.
Supreme Court Clears Judge of Delay in Injunction Case: Lessons on TRO Rules and Judicial Ethics
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Lerma, clarifying TRO hearing timelines and standards for judicial liability in injunction cases.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Upholding Public Trust: A Sheriff’s Liability for Unauthorized Foreclosure Sales
A sheriff who conducted foreclosure sales outside court authority was suspended for six months for breaching public trust in the judiciary.
Breach of Trust as Just Cause for Employee Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
Upholding Integrity Accountability FOR Negligence IN Handling Court Documents
When fraud is alleged against a notarized deed, clear and convincing evidence is required. This case explains the burden of proof.