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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
Limits of Self-Defense When Force Used Exceeds the Threat
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when self-defense fails because the force used exceeds the threat, with practical legal takeaways.
Upholding Accountability Gross Neglect OF Duty IN THE Philippine Civil Service
Mortgage Foreclosure: Know Your Rights as a Subdivision Buyer
Learn when declaratory relief works for subdivision buyers facing mortgage foreclosure, and when it doesn't, from a 2008 Supreme Court ruling.
Psychological Incapacity: Defining the Limits of Annulment Under the Family Code
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that psychological incapacity under Article 36 requires grave, incurable, and antecedent illness—not mere refusal or personality quirks.
Failure of Election and COMELEC's Power: Protecting the Voter's Franchise
The Supreme Court clarifies the limited grounds for declaring a failure of election under the Omnibus Election Code.
Judicial Temperament and the Duty of Judges: Lessons from a Reprimand for Conduct Unbecoming
A judge's public humiliation of a lawyer over his law school draws a reprimand. Learn the rules on judicial temperament.
When a Surety Bond Cannot Be Cancelled: AFP General Insurance v. Molina on Garnishment and Labor Awards
The Supreme Court ruled that a supersedeas bond posted to perfect an employer's appeal stays valid and enforceable until the case is finally disposed of, even if premiums go unpaid.
Surety Bond Enforceability: Non-Payment of Premiums Does Not Nullify Obligations to Labor Claimants
Supreme Court rules surety bonds in labor appeals remain valid despite unpaid premiums, protecting workers' monetary awards.
Expiration Nullifies Election Protests Upholding Comelecs Jurisdiction Over SK Chairman Disputes
SC rules SK chairman election protests fall under COMELEC appellate jurisdiction, but expired terms render cases moot.
TAX Assessment Validity Strict Compliance AND Waiver Requirements
When Can a Third Party Be Sued for Another's Contract Breach? Martelino v. NHMFC
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when buyers can sue lenders for a developer's breach, and the limits of declaratory relief.
Anonymous Complaints in Disciplinary Cases: Due Process and Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court dismisses an anonymous complaint against Solicitor General Devanadera, balancing due process rights with ethical oversight of lawyers.
Judicial Conduct A Judges Duty TO Supervise AND THE Limits OF Administrative Liability
Tax Collection vs Right to Appeal: Balancing Government Power and Taxpayer Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when posting a surety bond can suspend real property tax collection and protect taxpayer rights.
Wage Order Applicability: Minimum Wage Earners vs Above-Minimum Wage Employees
Supreme Court clarifies that wage orders apply only to minimum wage earners, not those already receiving above-minimum wages.
Crediting Prior Government Service for Judicial Retirement: Ensuring Fair Pension Benefits
Supreme Court rules prior Sangguniang Bayan service counts toward judges' 20-year retirement requirement under R.A. 910.
Innocent Purchaser For Value: When Prior Attachment Defects Don't Erase Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attachment registration, innocent purchaser doctrine, and property rights under PD 1529.
Detention and Representation: Balancing Rights in Coup d'Etat Cases
The Supreme Court ruled that a detained senator-elect cannot claim special rights to attend sessions while facing a non-bailable offense.
Supreme Court Suspends Lawyer for Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts
The Court ruled a lawyer's deliberate refusal to pay unpaid rent and utility bills constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from practice.
Work-Related Illness: Reassessing Disability Compensation for Congenital Heart Disease
The Supreme Court ruled that congenital heart disease can be compensable under PD 626 when work strain triggers symptoms, reshaping disability claims.
Arrastre Contractor Liability: When the P3,500-Per-Package Limit Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrastre contractors cannot invoke the P3,500 per-package liability limit under PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81.
Simulated Sales: When Continued Possession Trumps a Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated sales: continued possession and tax payments can nullify a deed of absolute sale.
Moral Ascendancy as Violence: Rape Conviction Upheld in Father-Daughter Incest Case
Supreme Court affirms rape conviction of a father, ruling that a parent's moral ascendancy substitutes for violence and intimidation in incestuous rape.