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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Executive Power to End Overtime Pay for Immigration Employees: Tendenilla v. Purisima
Supreme Court ruling on whether the Executive may discontinue overtime pay charged to airlines for Bureau of Immigration employees.
Breach of Promise to Marry Not Actionable: Guevarra v. Banach and the Limits of Damages
The Supreme Court clarifies that a breach of promise to marry is not actionable, and a gift given in contemplation of marriage need not be returned when the giver acted in bad faith.
Mutuality of Contracts and Foreclosure Rights in Philippine Loans
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that void interest stipulations do not invalidate foreclosure when the principal debt remains unpaid.
SK Official Removal: Who Has the Power to Oust Youth Leaders
The Supreme Court clarifies which bodies can remove SK Federation Presidents and SK Chairpersons, and the due process required.
Intellectual Disability as a Defense: The Limits of Exemption from Criminal Liability in Statutory Rape Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when intellectual disability or imbecility exempts an accused from criminal liability, and why it did not apply in this statutory rape conviction.
Proving Foreign Law in Philippine Courts: Divorce Recognition After Rivera v. Woo Namsun
The Supreme Court clarifies what evidence is needed to prove a foreign divorce decree and foreign law in Philippine courts.
Regulating Psychologists: When Professional Standards Meet Constitutional Rights
The Supreme Court upholds the 100-hour training requirement for psychologists seeking registration without examination under RA 10029.
Judicial Clemency Denied But Restitution Waived After Court Employee's Death
Supreme Court denies judicial clemency to guilty court clerk but waives unpaid restitution after death, applying compassionate justice.
Compassionate Justice VS Accountability When CAN Courts Waive Restitution
Government Contracts: Due Process in Hiring Legal Retainers and COA Disallowances
SC ruling on PhilRice legal retainer case clarifies due process, concurrence requirements, and liability for disallowed government contract payments.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Self-Defense or Murder: Proving Unlawful Aggression in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when self-defense fails in Philippine criminal law, using a 2021 murder case to illustrate the burden of proving unlawful aggression.
Self-Defense and Treachery in Philippine Law: Proving Unlawful Aggression for Justification
The Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and treachery qualifies killing as murder under Philippine criminal law.
Protecting Due Process in Administrative Rulings: The Need for Clear Factual and Legal Bases
The Supreme Court nullified an administrative ruling against an electric cooperative GM for lacking clear factual and legal bases, reaffirming due process.
Protecting Public Health: FDA's Power to Seize Hazardous Products Without a Warrant
The Supreme Court upholds FDA's warrantless seizure power over hazardous health products as a valid exercise of police power.
Customs Jurisdiction and Forum Shopping in Importation Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies CTA jurisdiction over customs seizure cases and when forum shopping does not apply in importation disputes.
Corporate Veil and Judgment Execution: Can a Successor Corporation Be Held Liable?
When a judgment debtor's assets pass to another corporation, can the winner enforce the judgment against the successor? The Supreme Court explains.
Diabetes and Hypertension: Proving Work Relatedness in Seafarer Disability Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court treats diabetes and hypertension claims for seafarer disability benefits under the POEA-SEC.
Beyond Disagreement: Defining Psychological Incapacity in Marital Nullity
The Supreme Court clarifies psychological incapacity under Article 36, affirming that a spouse need not be personally examined by a psychiatrist for a marriage to be declared void.
Solicitation and Acceptance of Gifts: Upholding Ethical Conduct in Public Service
Supreme Court reinstates dismissal of DENR officials for soliciting money under R.A. 6713, reaffirming strict ethical standards for public servants.
Compromise Agreements and Voluntary Retirement in Philippine Public Service
The Supreme Court ruled that compromise agreements are binding even after final judgments, and voluntary retirement in public service requires clear consent.
Employer as Bystander in Certification Elections: Lessons from Coca-Cola FEMSA
Supreme Court affirms the bystander rule, barring employers from opposing certification elections and clarifying reorganization's effect on bargaining units.
Psychological Incapacity: No Personal Exam Needed for Marriage Nullity
Supreme Court clarifies that lack of personal examination by a psychiatrist does not invalidate a finding of psychological incapacity under Article 36.
Double Titling in the Philippines: How to Protect Your Property Rights
Learn how Philippine courts handle double titling disputes and what property owners can do to protect their rights and avoid legal conflicts.