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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Tenant Rights: Proving a Valid Landlord-Tenant Relationship in Agricultural Land Disputes
Learn the six requisites of a valid agricultural tenancy and why courts require clear proof of the landowner-tenant relationship.
Property Rights Prevail: The Right to Fence Over Easement Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the right to fence one's property, easement claims, and procedural rules in injunction cases.
Forced Resignations Protecting Employee Rights Against Coercion
Just Compensation for Land Taken Without Expropriation: The Nepomuceno Rule
When government takes private land without expropriation, compensation is valued at the time of taking, not at payment.
Finality of Judgments, Solidary Liability, and Actual Damages in Cockfighting Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the immutability of final judgments and how to compute actual damages in a cockfighting dispute.
Finality of Judgment Prevails: Compromise Agreements Do Not Erase Criminal Liability in Estafa Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estafa: compromise agreements and payment do not extinguish criminal liability once judgment becomes final.
Compulsory Retirement at 60: When Company Policy Violates Security of Tenure
A company policy forcing retirement at 60 can be illegal dismissal. The Supreme Court explains the difference between voluntary and compulsory retirement.
Constructive Dismissal: When Forced Resignation Through Pay Reduction Is Illegal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal when an employer's pay reduction forces an employee to resign.
Ports Authority vs Private Operators: When Can the Government Operate Directly
Supreme Court ruling on when government agencies can operate ports without franchises, and limits on lower court injunctions.
Deceitful Practices by Lawyers: When Suspension and Disbarment Apply
The Supreme Court clarifies when lawyers face suspension or disbarment for deceitful conduct, citing a case of forged documents and dishonest estate settlement.
Falsifying Time Records in Government: The Case of a Court Process Server Dismissed for Dishonesty
A Supreme Court ruling shows how falsified daily time records lead to dismissal for dishonesty, forfeiture of benefits, and disqualification from public office.
Arson Conviction Upheld: Eyewitness Testimony Enough for Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Supreme Court affirms arson conviction, ruling a single credible eyewitness can prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt and establish corpus delicti.
Sheriffs Must Follow Execution Rules: Grave Misconduct Case Lessons
When sheriffs demand unauthorized fees and adjourn sales without consent, they commit grave misconduct. Learn the rules from a Supreme Court ruling.
Treachery in Criminal Law: Warning and Vulnerability in Determining Guilt
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how treachery is determined, even when a victim receives a verbal warning before a sudden attack.
Breach of Trust and Due Process in Employment Termination: Striking a Balance
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of trust justifies dismissal and when employers still owe procedural due process.
Duty of Inquiry: Protecting Land Rights Against Fraudulent Transactions in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenancy, land redemption rights, and the burden of proving lawful landowner-tenant relationships.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet and Tenancy Rights in Philippine Land Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a tenant's right of redemption requires proof of a valid tenancy relationship with the true landowner.
Entrapment vs Illegal Arrest: Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases
When is a warrantless arrest in a buy-bust operation valid? The Supreme Court explains the difference between entrapment and illegal arrest.
Voice Recognition as Valid Identification in Robbery with Homicide Cases
How Philippine courts accept voice identification and physical familiarity as proof of identity in robbery with homicide cases.
From Partial to Total: Converting Disability Benefits Under Philippine Law
When can a permanent partial disability (PPD) benefit be converted to permanent total disability (PTD)? The Supreme Court explains in GSIS v. Casco.
Contract Validity and Prescription: Lessons from Dailisan v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court upheld a notarized deed of sale because the heirs failed to seek annulment within four years, and partition does not prescribe for a co-owner.
No Back Salaries for Government Employees Dismissed in Good Faith: Protecting Public Funds
Supreme Court rules government employees dismissed in good faith are not entitled to back salaries upon reinstatement, upholding Octot v. Ybañez.
Accountability IN THE Judiciary Negligence AND Dereliction OF Duty BY Court Officers
When Can Power Generators Be Exempted from Power Delivery Charges
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when independent power producers may be exempt from Power Delivery Service charges for ancillary services.