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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Land Title Registration: Proving Open Continuous Possession Since June 12, 1945
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is needed to register land title based on possession since June 12, 1945.
Disputes on Barangay Existence: Supreme Court Upholds Comelec Authority on Election Matters
The Supreme Court affirms Comelec's authority to resolve questions on barangay existence in election disputes, settling the Sangcopan case.
Official Duty vs. Discourtesy: When Public Officials Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies that public officials cannot hide behind official duty to justify discourtesy, reaffirming public office as a public trust.
Quantum Meruit and COA Disallowances: What Contractors Must Know
The Supreme Court affirms COA's power to determine overpayments to government contractors under quantum meruit, and explains when belated jurisdictional challenges are barred.
When Social Media Abuse Qualifies for Higher Penalties Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies how Facebook posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262 and why ICT use raises the penalty.
Determining Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Balancing Legal Factors and Fair Valuation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how courts should determine just compensation for agrarian reform lands under R.A. 6657 and DAR formula.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Explaining labor-only contracting under Philippine law, and when a principal employer is liable as the true employer of contractor-supplied workers.
Attorneys Conflict OF Interest Upholding Client Loyalty AND Confidentiality
Possession IS KEY Illegal Logging AND THE Importance OF Proper Documentation
Solidary Liability in Labor-Only Contracting: Catholic Vicariate v. Sto. Tomas
Explains when a principal is solidarily liable with contractors for unpaid wages, even without an employer-employee relationship.
Custodian Negligence Court Personnel Held Liable for Missing Case Records
Court personnel who negligently handle case records face administrative liability. Learn the rules on custodianship of court exhibits.
Neglect of Duty in Handling Court Funds: A Clerk's Responsibility
A clerk of court's failure to safely keep court records and exhibits constitutes simple neglect of duty, warranting suspension.
Pilotage Fees and Government Share: PPA Can Collect Directly from Shipping Lines
Supreme Court ruling on PPA's authority to collect the 10% government share on pilotage fees directly from shipping companies.
Abandonment in Agricultural Tenancy: When Hiring Help Costs Cultivation Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a tenant's surrender of cultivation to another amounts to abandonment and loss of tenancy rights.
Defining Abandonment And Insubordination Employee Rights VS Employer Authority
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on employee abandonment and insubordination, balancing worker rights against employer authority in termination disputes.
Tenant Rights and Fraud Claims in Agrarian Disputes: Quitoriano v. DARAB
The Supreme Court affirms that emancipation patents stand unless fraud is proven by clear and convincing evidence in agrarian disputes.
Senior Citizen Discounts: Defining meant only the acquisition cost of medicines, not the full discount amount.
The Issue: Tax Credit vs. Tax Deduction The central legal question was whether the 20% senior citizen discount should be claimed as a tax credit or as a tax de
Upholding Contractual Obligations: The Binding Force of Agreed Interest Rates in Credit Transactions
Supreme Court ruling on agreed interest rates in credit sales, party autonomy, and limits on unconscionable charges.
Upholding Court Authority: Contempt for Baseless Administrative Complaints
Filing baseless administrative complaints against judges and court personnel can result in indirect contempt. Learn the rules and consequences.
Vasectomy and Mutilation: Defining the Boundaries of Reproductive Rights Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between lawful vasectomy and criminal mutilation, affirming reproductive rights under Philippine law.
Clerks of Court Upholding Fiscal Responsibility and Public Trust in Handling Court Funds
A clerk of court fined for collecting transportation allowance without issuing official receipts, violating Rule 141 and Supreme Court Circular No. 26-97.
Upholding Comelec's Authority: Finality of Election Contest Decisions for Municipal Mayors
The Supreme Court affirms the finality of Comelec decisions in election contests for municipal mayors, clarifying jurisdictional boundaries.
Courts Hold Sole Power to Remove Elective Local Officials, High Court Rules
Supreme Court affirms only courts can remove elective local officials like barangay captains, limiting sanggunian disciplinary powers.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Corporate Officers Can Be Held Personally Liable
The Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be personally liable for labor claims, and why final judgments cannot be altered to pierce the corporate veil.