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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Redundancy Programs Ensuring Fairness IN Employee Selection
The Supreme Court rules that a redundancy program must use fair criteria in selecting employees to dismiss, not just general business logic.
State's Right to Recover Public Funds: Prescription Does Not Run Against the Government
Supreme Court rules the government's right to recover illegally disbursed public funds does not prescribe, but limits COA's power over tax collection.
Just Compensation and Due Process in Agrarian Reform: Valuing Land at the Time of Taking
The Supreme Court rules that just compensation for agrarian reform land must be valued at the time of taking, not at outdated dates, and that gross undervaluation violates due process.
Electoral Rights vs Budgetary Constraints: Protecting People's Legislative Power in Local Governance
The Supreme Court rules that lack of budget cannot defeat local initiative, but propositions must stay within the sanggunian's powers.
Conditional Settlement Protecting Seafarers Rights In Maritime Death Benefit Claims
Supreme Court rules a one-sided conditional settlement of a seafarer's death benefit claim cannot erase the employer's liability.
Taxing Power vs National Electrification: LGU Levy on Electric Cooperatives
Supreme Court rules LGUs may levy electric cooperative properties for unpaid real property taxes despite EPIRA restrictions.
Kidnapping for Ransom Conviction Upheld: Safe House Caretaker Liable as Co-Principal
Philippine Supreme Court rules on kidnapping for ransom, conspiracy, and multiple counts when several victims are abducted in one information.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Ruled Work-Related: Bunkhouse Rule Applied
Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board vessel is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Breach of Contract: When Concealing Pre-Existing Illness Negates Seafarer Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarers' disability benefits, fraudulent misrepresentation, and pre-existing conditions under the POEA-SEC.
Writ of Possession Is Ministerial Duty Even If Mortgage Validity Is Challenged
Supreme Court rules writ of possession is a ministerial duty after foreclosure consolidation, regardless of challenges to mortgage validity or lender authority.
Company-Designated Physician's Fitness Declaration Prevails in Seafarer Disability Claims
Supreme Court rules company-designated physician's fit-to-work assessment binds seafarer unless properly disputed under POEA-SEC procedure.
DARAB Overreach: Examining the Limits of Administrative Authority in Agrarian Disputes
The Supreme Court rules that DARAB cannot issue writs of certiorari, as administrative agencies lack judicial power.
Public Use Prevails Over Private Claims in Road Right-of-Way Dispute
Supreme Court rules that road rights-of-way are public dominion property, and private claimants cannot demand just compensation for land never validly acquired.
Unlawful Search by Bantay Bayan Operatives Leads to Acquittal in Drug Case
Supreme Court rules Bantay Bayan operatives are state agents for Bill of Rights purposes; warrantless search without lawful arrest invalidates drug evidence.
Dismissal Based on Uncorroborated Report Violates Due Process in Seafarer Cases
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal based on an uncorroborated captain's report violates due process and just cause requirements.
Union Expulsion vs Dismissal: When a Union Security Clause Cannot Justify Termination
Supreme Court rules union officers cannot be expelled and dismissed based on grounds for impeachment under the union constitution.
Upholding Agrarian Reform Security of Tenure Prevails Despite Land Reclassification
Supreme Court rules tenants' rights survive land reclassification, affirming DARAB jurisdiction over agrarian disputes despite zoning changes.
Inheritance Limits: Heirs' Liability in Property Disputes Clarified
The Supreme Court rules that heirs impleaded in property cases are liable only up to their inherited shares, not beyond.
Government Spending on Refresher Courses That Benefit Both Employees and the Agency
Supreme Court rules government agencies may fund refresher courses that prepare employees for eligibility exams when the agency also benefits.
Seafarer Basketball Injury Held Work-Related Under Bunkhouse Rule
Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Customs Law: Abandonment of Goods Requires Due Notice Despite Importer's Delay
Supreme Court rules that ipso facto abandonment of imported goods under the Tariff and Customs Code requires due notice, absent fraud.
Expropriation and Capital Gains Tax: Who Pays When Government Takes Property?
Supreme Court rules property owners, not the government, pay capital gains tax in expropriation cases. Learn the tax implications.
Resignation Not a Shield: Grave Misconduct and Accountability in Public Service
Supreme Court rules resignation does not erase administrative liability for grave misconduct, imposing perpetual disqualification and forfeiture of benefits.
Retirement Benefits: Company Plans Prevail Over Labor Code Minimums
Supreme Court rules company retirement plans prevail over Labor Code when they provide superior benefits, citing PAL pilot case.