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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Fixed-Term Seafarers' Contracts: Illegal Dismissal and Compensation Standards
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seafarers are contractual employees governed by POEA contracts, not regular employees under the Labor Code.
Falsification of Public Documents and Integrity in Public Service
Explore how the Supreme Court addressed falsification of public documents and the integrity required in public service.
Foreign Corporations and the Right to Sue: Estoppel in Philippine Law
When can an unlicensed foreign corporation sue in Philippine courts? The Supreme Court clarifies the estoppel rule in this 2004 ruling.
Deregulation and Due Process: The NTC's Authority Over SMS Regulation
In Globe Telecom v. NTC, the Supreme Court struck down a fine on Globe for offering SMS without prior approval, exposing the regulator's confusing rules.
Compromise Agreements and Illegal Strikes: The Limits of Condonation in Labor Law
When does a compromise agreement waive an employer's right to challenge an illegal strike? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of condonation.
Res Judicata and Forum Shopping in Partition Cases: When a Separate Nullity Suit Is Barred
A Supreme Court ruling explains why a separate action to nullify a deed of sale is barred by forum shopping when the same issue can be resolved in a pending partition case.
Minority as Privileged Mitigating Circumstance in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that minority is a privileged mitigating circumstance under Article 68, reducing the penalty for murder by one degree.
Compromise Agreements Execution Limited TO Agreed Terms NOT Subsequent Claims
Execution of a compromise agreement is limited to its terms; claims arising later need a separate action, per Tambunting v. CA.
When a Barangay Captain Cannot Be Independent Counsel: Extrajudicial Confessions and the Constitution
A barangay captain who is a lawyer cannot act as independent counsel for a suspect. The Supreme Court explains why the confession was inadmissible.
NTC Authority to Grant Provisional Authorities and the Non-Exclusive Nature of Telecom Franchises
The Supreme Court affirms NTC's discretion to grant provisional authorities to multiple telecom providers, upholding healthy competition over exclusivity claims.
Lawyer Suspended for Deceit and Unauthorized Representation in Estate Case
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for deceiving clients into signing an authority that let him file unauthorized estate proceedings.
Promoting Competition in Telecom: NTC Can Grant Provisional Authorities to New Players
Supreme Court affirms NTC's power to grant provisional authorities to competing telecom providers, promoting healthy competition over exclusivity.
Union Misrepresentation Can Void Certification Elections: The DHL-URFA Case
When union officers lie about their affiliation before a certification election, workers may get a new vote. The Supreme Court explains why.
Protecting Brand Identity: Jurisdiction Over Unfair Competition Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies which court hears unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code, settling a jurisdictional question.
Failure of Election: When the Electorate's Will Cannot Be Ascertained
The Supreme Court explains when a failure of election may be declared and why mere allegations of irregularities belong in an election protest, not a COMELEC petition.
Interlocutory vs Final Orders: When Can You Appeal in Civil Liability Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between interlocutory and final orders in civil liability cases, and when execution may issue.
Balancing Technical Rules and Justice: The Discretion to Reinstate Appeals Despite Late Docket Fees
The Supreme Court clarifies when late payment of appellate docket fees may justify dismissal, and when courts may relax procedural rules.
Dismissal for Untimely Filing: Understanding Procedural Rules in Philippine Appeals
Learn why the Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an appeal due to late docket fee payment, and what this means for litigants.
Judicial Responsibility: Timely Decisions and Accountability for Delays
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases promptly, and accountability for undue delay.
Supreme Court Reinstates Title Reconstitution Despite Missing Land Records
A look at Faustino Co Shu Kiam v. Republic, where the Supreme Court clarified the rules on reconstituting lost land titles under Republic Act No. 26.
Bouncing Checks and Corporate Liability: Understanding BP 22 in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that under BP 22, the reason for issuing a bouncing check is immaterial to criminal liability. Learn the rules.
Executive Judge Fined for Overstepping Authority in Cases Pending Before Lower Court
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that executive judges cannot issue orders in cases pending before lower courts, even with good intentions.
Protecting Marital Property: Understanding Consent Requirements in Real Estate Sales
The Supreme Court clarifies when spousal consent is required for real estate sales and the difference between contracts to sell and deeds of sale.
Proving Continuous Employment for Retirement Benefits Under RA 7641
The Supreme Court clarifies when retirement benefits under RA 7641 apply and what evidence proves continuous employment.