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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COMELEC's Duty to Hold Special Barangay Elections After a Failed Poll: The Sambarani Doctrine
The Supreme Court ruled that COMELEC cannot refuse to hold special barangay elections after a failure of election, and that incumbent officials hold over until successors are elected.
Piercing the Corporate Veil When Tax Avoidance Becomes Evasion
The Supreme Court explains when tax planning crosses the line into tax evasion, and when a stockholder's estate can be held liable for corporate tax deficiencies.
Protecting Farmers Rights Darab Jurisdiction Over Home LOT Disputes IN Tenancy Agreements
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Sheriffs Overreach Defining THE Limits OF Property Levy IN Philippine LAW
When can a sheriff's levy on execution be considered excessive? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of property levy in Philippine law.
Habeas Corpus and the Family Code: When Child Custody Battles Meet Technical Rules
The Supreme Court clarifies when habeas corpus petitions for child custody must comply with Article 151 compromise requirements and barangay conciliation rules.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Judicial Accountability Fines and Warnings for Neglect of Duty and Delays in Case Resolution
The Supreme Court fined a judge P40,000 for gross inefficiency and misconduct over delayed case rulings and defiance of court orders.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Tenancy vs Tolerance: Who Has Jurisdiction in Land Disputes?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land dispute is an agrarian case for DARAB or an ejectment case for regular courts.
Ex Officio Representatives Cannot Receive Honoraria: National Amnesty Commission v. COA
The Supreme Court ruled that representatives of ex officio members cannot receive honoraria or per diems, as they merely act by designation and not by appointment.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how valid termination works under labor law.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Perfecting Mortgage Registration: Entry Book Notice Prevails Despite Fee Delay
Supreme Court clarifies that entry in the Register of Deeds' primary entry book constitutes registration, even if fees are paid the next day.
Cash Bail vs Surety Bonds: Cancellation Rights Under Philippine Law
When can a cash bail be cancelled in the Philippines? The Supreme Court explains the key difference between cash deposits and surety bonds.
Supreme Court Upholds Quasi-Delict Liability in Vehicular Accident Case
SC affirms negligence ruling against driver and owner in vehicular accident, applying quasi-delict rules and rejecting factual re-examination.
Lawyer's Courtroom Conduct: Disbarred Attorney Fined PHP 155,000 for Disrespect
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer for disrespecting court personnel and disobeying IBP orders, clarifying penalties after disbarment.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Judicial Accountability: Balancing Efficiency and Fairness in Case Resolution
A look at how the Supreme Court balances a judge's duty to decide cases promptly against a prosecutor's duty not to abuse administrative complaints.
Judicial Efficiency vs Prosecutorial Overreach: Balancing Justice and Accountability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling sanctioned both a judge who delayed deciding cases and the prosecutor whose excessive complaints burdened the courts with baseless charges.
Tax Exemptions for Export Zones: Balancing Investment Incentives and Revenue Collection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax exemptions for export zone enterprises under PD 66, clarifying refund rights for customs duties on supplies.