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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Prescription in Property Disputes: The Necessity of Trial for Determining the Validity of Land Sales
When is a land sale valid despite an injunction? The Supreme Court clarifies perfection of contracts and the need for trial.
Defective Informations and Qualifying Circumstances: Lessons from People v. Pilen
The Supreme Court's ruling in People v. Pilen clarifies when defective Informations waive objections and how treachery is proven.
PhilHealth Claims: Supreme Court Protects Healthcare Providers’ Due Process Rights
The Supreme Court ruled PhilHealth violated due process in claims against Quezon City Eye Center, reinforcing procedural fairness in administrative cases.
SEC Investigations and Due Process: What the Supreme Court Said in Tengco
The Supreme Court clarifies that SEC investigation lapses do not strip courts of jurisdiction over Securities Regulation Code violations.
Police Misconduct Excessive Force: SC Upholds Dismissal of PO2 in Fatal Shooting
The Supreme Court affirms dismissal of a police officer for grave misconduct after fatal shooting, clarifying limits of law enforcement authority.
When Can a City Demand Access to Private Property? The Caloocan Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when local governments may demand access to private roads, balancing public service duties against property rights.
Psychological Incapacity: Infidelity Alone Insufficient for Marriage Nullity in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that infidelity and irreconcilable differences do not automatically constitute psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
OFW Illegal Dismissal: Philippine Labor Laws Protect Workers Abroad
Philippine labor laws protect OFWs from illegal dismissal, even abroad. Learn the rules on retrenchment, due process, and remedies.
Confiscation of Property and Due Process Rights of Third-Party Owners
When can the government confiscate a vehicle used in illegal logging? The Supreme Court clarifies the due process rights of third-party owners.
Confiscation of Property: Balancing Government Authority and Due Process Rights
Explore how the Supreme Court balances state power to recover ill-gotten wealth against constitutional due process and prescription rights.
Ancestral Land Rights: Proving Fraud and Due Process in Land Title Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when ancestral land titles can be cancelled for fraud and what claimants must prove to assert vested rights over ancestral lands.
Simple Misconduct vs Grave Misconduct: Key Differences in Penalties for Public Officials
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between simple and grave misconduct in administrative cases, and the corresponding penalties.
Due Process and Notice in Arbitration: CIAC Jurisdiction Upheld Despite Alleged Address Errors
Supreme Court clarifies when CIAC arbitration awards stand despite notice issues, and the proper remedy to challenge them.
Unconstitutional Bargain: State Control Over Natural Resources in Philippine Seas
The Supreme Court struck down the JMSU as unconstitutional, reaffirming that exploration of the country's natural resources must remain under full State control.
Limits on PhilHealth's Fiscal Autonomy: Accountability in Public Spending
Supreme Court clarifies PhilHealth's fiscal autonomy limits, upholding COA disallowances of unauthorized benefits while allowing longevity pay.
Expropriation Due Process: What Property Owners Must Prove
A Supreme Court ruling on Olongapo expropriation clarifies the requisites for valid taking, the need for genuine negotiation, and the right to a full hearing on defenses.
Upholding Attorney Accountability Negligence AND Unauthorized Practice OF LAW
A lawyer who outsources pleadings to nonlawyers and signs them unread faces suspension. Learn the rules and takeaways.
Protecting Children from Physical Abuse: The Scope of RA 7610 and the Need to Prove Qualifying Circumstances
The Supreme Court clarifies when physical abuse of children falls under RA 7610 and why qualifying circumstances in rape must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Restrictions on Contractual Rights: The Necessity of Consent in Deed of Assignment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a deed of assignment of receivables is unenforceable against the obligor without written consent.
Expropriation Voided: Olongapo's Failure to Make a Valid Offer and Grant Due Process
Supreme Court voids Olongapo's expropriation of Jose Co Lee's property for lack of a valid offer and due process, reaffirming safeguards for property owners.
Prior Approval Is Paramount: DSWD Contract Faces Scrutiny Over COA Concurrence
Government agencies must secure prior COA concurrence and OSG approval before hiring private lawyers, or risk irregular expenditures.
Equal Pay for Equal Work: When Seniority and Performance Justify Salary Differences
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that seniority, performance, and merit can justify different salaries for employees holding the same position.
Navigating Appeals in Estate Proceedings: The Necessity of a Record on Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that appeals in special proceedings require both a notice of appeal and record on appeal within 30 days.
Succession Rights and DAR Secretary's Authority in Agrarian Beneficiary Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies DAR Secretary's exclusive jurisdiction over successor designation in agrarian reform beneficiary disputes, reversing CA ruling.