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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Unregistered Land Sales and Agrarian Reform: The Limits of Ownership Transfer
When do unregistered property sales fail against agrarian reform coverage? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on land transfers and PD 27.
Carrier Negligence vs Fortuitous Events: Defining Insurance Liability in Cargo Loss
When a typhoon sinks a barge, who pays? The Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier's negligence defeats both the fortuitous-event defense and insurance recovery.
Judicial Efficiency: Judge Fined P5,000 for Undue Delay in Resolving a Motion
A judge's failure to resolve a pending motion within the 30-day reglementary period constitutes undue delay, a less serious offense under Rule 140.
Breach of Trust vs Freedom of Expression: Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
When can an employer validly dismiss for breach of trust or misconduct? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits in Fujitsu v. De Guzman.
CBA Separation Pay for Voluntary Resignation: When Contractual Stipulations Prevail
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a CBA can grant separation pay to voluntarily resigning employees, even if the Labor Code does not require it.
Ejectment Suits: Proving Prior Possession in Forcible Entry Cases
Learn how Philippine courts decide forcible entry cases, focusing on the key requirement of prior physical possession and jurisdictional rules.
Onerous Donations and Substantial Breach: Upholding the Purpose of a Gift
When can a donor revoke an onerous donation? The Supreme Court explains the substantial breach rule in C-J Yulo & Sons v. Roman Catholic Bishop of San Pablo.
No Damages for Accused: Criminal Courts Cannot Award Damages to the Accused in Criminal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal courts cannot award damages to the accused in criminal cases, reversing libel conviction.
PPA Rate Increases and Due Process: What Shipping Lines Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when notice and hearing are required for port rate increases by the Philippine Ports Authority.
Water Rights vs Interference: When Courts Decide Water District Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the water council, have jurisdiction over water district disputes involving interference with vested rights.
When Lawyers Cross the Line: Conflicting Interests and Client Confidentiality in Philippine Legal Ethics
The Supreme Court's ruling in Pormento vs. Pontevedra clarifies when a lawyer's representation of new clients against former clients constitutes prohibited conflicting interests.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Is Ministerial: Lessons from a Gross Neglect Case
The Supreme Court reminds sheriffs that executing writs is a ministerial duty—delays and excuses do not justify neglecting court orders.
Sheriff's Duty to Execute Writs Is Ministerial: Lessons from Legaspi v. Tobillo
A sheriff's failure to promptly implement a writ of possession constitutes gross neglect of duty, resulting in administrative liability.
Death and Election Protests: Can a Widow Substitute for a Deceased Protestant?
The Supreme Court, sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, ruled on whether a widow could substitute for her deceased husband in a presidential election protest.
Due Process in Retrenchment: Balancing Employer Prerogative and Employee Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between just and authorized causes in dismissal, and the penalties for violating notice requirements.
Default Judgments: Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a defendant's voluntary appearance in court cures defective summons, preventing later challenges to default judgments.
Accountability in the Judiciary: Upholding Diligence in Court Administration
The Supreme Court holds clerks of court to strict standards of diligence, ruling that delayed transmittal of appeal records constitutes simple neglect of duty.
Supreme Court Upholds PNP Officer’s Dismissal for Grave Misconduct Under RA 6975
SC ruling on PNP summary dismissal powers, grave misconduct, and procedural rules in police administrative cases under RA 6975.
Co-Ownership and Ejectment: Clarifying Rights and Remedies in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that any co-owner may file ejectment against occupants by mere tolerance, even before partition.
Foreclosure Validity: Proper Notice and Publication in Extrajudicial Sales
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies posting and publication requirements for valid extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Police Misconduct Due Process: Navigating Administrative Dismissals in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles police misconduct cases, due process in administrative dismissals, and jurisdiction under RA 6975.
Lawyer Fined for Unauthorized Appearance as NEA Counsel in GOCC Case
Supreme Court fines lawyer P5,000 for appearing as NEA counsel without required OGCC conformity and COA concurrence.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Express Trusts Upholding Beneficiaries Rights Despite Fictitious Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on express trusts, beneficiaries' rights, and fictitious sales of property.