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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Forestry Laws: Driver Liability and Knowledge in Illegal Logging Cases
Supreme Court ruling on truck driver liability for transporting undocumented lumber under the Revised Forestry Code, and how knowledge and conspiracy are proven.
Illegal Dismissal Burden of Proof: Employer Must Substantiate Abandonment Claims
In Velasco v. NLRC, the Supreme Court clarified that employers bear the burden of proving abandonment in illegal dismissal cases, and that separation pay does not replace backwages.
Boundary Disputes: Proving Land Ownership in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how courts resolve boundary disputes, emphasizing the importance of approved survey plans and proper identification of property.
Beyond Resignation: Constructive Dismissal and Harassment Claims in Philippine Labor Law
When does a resignation become constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on forced resignation and workplace harassment claims.
Illegal Dismissal: Abandonment Defense Fails, Backwages Still Due
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, abandonment defense, and the right to full backwages even when separation pay is awarded.
When Self Defense Fails: Proving Imminent Danger in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and why uncorroborated claims fail in homicide cases.
Forum Shopping: Why Litigants Cannot Pursue the Same Claims in Different Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains the prohibition on forum shopping and why litigants cannot pursue identical claims in different courts simultaneously.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: Why You Must First Navigate Government Channels
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains why bidders must exhaust administrative remedies under R.A. 9184 before going to court.
Revoking Mining Rights: Strict Compliance and Government Authority Over Natural Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on exploration permit validity, agency, assignment requirements, and government power over forest reserves.
Disqualification and Succession in Local Elections: The Sinsuat Case
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on disqualification of winning candidates, ballot appreciation, and succession rules in Philippine local elections.
Finality OF Judgments RES Judicata Prevents Relitigation IN Philippine LAW
Restrictions on Allowances for Water District Directors: Balancing Compensation and Public Service
The Supreme Court clarifies which allowances water district directors may receive under PD 198, prohibiting all compensation beyond per diems.
Union Decertification Mixed Membership Alone Insufficient Grounds
Land Acquisition and Just Compensation: Proving Government Taking in Agrarian Reform
Landowner's claim for just compensation fails because she failed to prove actual government taking under agrarian reform laws.
Why Garnishees Can't Use Certiorari to Contest Garnishment Orders
Third-party garnishees cannot use certiorari to challenge garnishment orders. Learn the proper remedies under Rule 39.
Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
Security of Tenure and Board Membership: Garayblas v. Atienza on Illegal Ouster
When does a board member's ouster become a justiciable case? The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between termination of appointment and illegal removal.
Surety's Liability Survives Death of Principal Debtor: Stronghold Insurance v. Republic-Asahi
The Supreme Court rules that a surety's solidary liability under a performance bond is not extinguished by the death of the principal debtor.
Arbitration Decisions in the Philippines: Jurisdiction and Appeal Options Explained
Learn how to properly appeal arbitration awards in the Philippines, including which court has jurisdiction and the correct remedies available.
Senior Citizen Discounts Clarifying TAX Credit Entitlements FOR Businesses
Appeal Dismissed: Choosing the Correct Court for Legal Questions
A bank's appeal from an arbitration award was dismissed for being filed in the wrong court. Learn the proper remedies under Philippine law.
WHO Bears THE Burden Determining Valid TAX Remittance When Agents Fail
Religious Freedom and Administrative Discipline: The Escritor Doctrine on Benevolent Neutrality
Explaining the Supreme Court's landmark ruling on religious freedom as a defense in administrative cases, and the compelling state interest test.
Unjust Enrichment and Extra Work: When Contractors Get Paid for Necessary Additions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor compensation for necessary extra work, unjust enrichment, and liquidated damages in construction contracts.