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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AWOL and Reinstatement: The Scope of Appointing Authority in Philippine Civil Service
Explaining Jaucian v. Wycoco on AWOL, automatic separation from the rolls, and the appointing authority's discretion over reinstatement.
Campaign Finance Liability: When a Candidate Is Not Liable for Party Mates' Expenses
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a candidate is personally liable for campaign materials ordered for party mates in election spending disputes.
Valid Service of Summons: Who Counts as a Corporate Agent in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when service of summons on a corporate employee binds the corporation, using Weena Express v. Rapacon.
Undue Delay in Rendering Decisions: When Judicial Efficiency Meets Due Process
The Supreme Court holds judges accountable for undue delay in rendering decisions, explaining the constitutional duty and consequences.
Loss OF Trust Must BE Based ON Clear Facts Employees Right TO DUE Process Prevails
Regular Employee Status: When a CBA Confers Tenure Beyond the Labor Code
A reliever stevedore denied regularization under the Labor Code was declared regular via the CBA's six-month accumulated service rule.
Treachery and Eyewitness Testimony: Proving Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
A look at how positive eyewitness identification and treachery established guilt beyond reasonable doubt in a Philippine murder case.
Ombudsman Decisions and the Doctrine of Immediate Executability
The Supreme Court clarifies when Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases are immediately executory despite an appeal.
Laches vs Torrens Title: When Delay Overrides Ownership Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when laches, not just prescription, can bar a registered owner from recovering possession of titled land.
Project vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Rights in Fixed-Term Contracts
The Supreme Court clarifies when repeated fixed-term hiring still means project, not regular, employment under Philippine law.
Sheriffs Must Get Court Approval for Execution Expenses: A.M. No. P-06-2184
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff's duty to secure court approval for execution expenses and remit fees under Rule 141.
Sheriffs Fees Integrity AND Accountability IN Court Processes
Easement of Right of Way: Requisites and Application in Philippine Law
Learn the four requisites for a legal easement of right of way under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Lee v. Carreon.
LIS Pendens Protecting Real Property Rights IN Loan Disputes
Land Dispute Resolution Supreme Court Upholds COSLAP Authority and Emphasizes Judicial Hierarchy
The Supreme Court reinforces the doctrine of judicial hierarchy and res judicata in land disputes involving COSLAP, dismissing a direct petition for certiorari.
Judicial Ethics and Free Speech: When Complaints Against Judges Cross the Line
The Supreme Court clarifies when criticism of judges becomes baseless and how judicial remedies must precede administrative complaints.
Buy-Bust Operations and the Objective Test in Philippine Drug Cases
The Supreme Court explains the "objective" test for buy-bust operations and when a lone police witness can prove drug selling beyond reasonable doubt.
Judicial Accountability Dismissal OF Baseless Charges Against Judges FOR Alleged Errors IN Judgment
Upholding Ethical Standards Extramarital Affairs AND THE Judiciarys Integrity
Explore how the Supreme Court reinforces judicial ethics, holding court personnel accountable for procedural lapses and safeguarding public trust.
Bigamous Marriage and Property Rights: When No Contribution Means No Co-Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property acquired during a bigamous marriage and the crucial role of actual contribution in determining ownership.
Force and Intimidation in Rape Cases: The Victim's Perspective Under the Anti-Rape Law
Examining how courts assess force and intimidation in rape cases through the victim's perspective, as illustrated in People v. Soriano.
Double Sale OF Registered Land Good Faith Registration Prevails
Judicial Integrity: When a Judge Must Inhibit From a Case
A judge who hears a criminal case where his wife is the private complainant violates judicial conduct rules and must pay a fine.
VAT Refund Claims: Why Purchase Invoices and Receipts Must Be Submitted
The Supreme Court held that summaries and CPA certifications cannot replace pre-marked purchase invoices and receipts in claims for refund of excess input VAT.