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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Due Process in Philippine Courts: Postponements and Witness Testimony
How Philippine courts weigh witness credibility, illumination, and minor inconsistencies in criminal trials.
Due Process at Sea: Seafarers' Rights Against Illegal Dismissal in Philippine Law
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on due process and loss of trust in dismissing confidential employees under Philippine law.
Easement of Right of Way: Balancing Access and Property Rights in Subdivision Developments
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies temporary easement rules for subdivision access, distinguishing preliminary injunctions from permanent rights of way.
Upholding Integrity: Dishonest Declarations Lead to Dismissal in Public Office
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality after an extramarital affair, showing that private misconduct has public consequences.
Due Process in Corporate Disputes: Prescription and Quieting of Title Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when actions to quiet title are imprescriptible, protecting possessors from wrongful execution sales.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Justify New Trial in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence deprives an accused of due process, courts may reopen the case for a fair trial.
Publication Requirement for Local Tax Ordinances: Manila Revenue Code Void
Supreme Court affirms that a local tax ordinance published only once, not for three consecutive days, is null and void.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Due Process Prevails in Property Disputes: When a Writ of Possession Cannot Be Enjoined
The Supreme Court clarifies when a writ of possession in extrajudicial foreclosures is ministerial and when due process protects third-party possessors.
NPC Franchise Tax Case: Local Governments Can Tax Government Corporations
The Supreme Court ruled that provinces may impose franchise tax on government-owned corporations like NPC under the Local Government Code.
Successor Liability in Philippine Labor Law: When Is a Company Responsible for Another's Debts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a company becomes liable for another firm's labor debts under successor liability rules.
Employee Termination: Just Cause and Due Process Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies the standards for valid employee termination in the Philippines, focusing on just cause and due process requirements.
Perfecting Your Appeal: Understanding Docket Fee Payment Requirements in the Philippines
Learn the rules on docket fee payment for appeals in the Philippines, including timing, amount, and consequences of non-payment.
Due Process in Administrative Cases: Understanding Your Rights
Learn how the Supreme Court applies due process in administrative proceedings and what rights individuals have when facing government actions.
Finality of Judgments in Disbarment Cases: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
The Supreme Court enforces final disbarment orders through execution and contempt, underscoring the doctrine of finality of judgment.
Protecting Landowner Rights Due Process and Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform
Learn how the Supreme Court balanced landowner due process rights with farmer-beneficiary qualifications in agrarian reform cases under RA 6657.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Differences in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and forcible entry in Philippine ejectment cases, and why the right cause of action matters.
Upholding Due Process in Search Warrants: The Kho v. Lanzanas Standard
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probable cause standards for search warrants and due process in intellectual property cases.
When a Lawyer's Negligence Leads to Suspension: The Adecer v. Akut Case
A lawyer who misses the deadline for filing a client's petition for probation faces administrative liability, even if the client was also negligent.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.