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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Seafarers' Disability Claims: Overcoming Concealment and Securing Benefits Under Philippine Law
The Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer's failure to disclose pre-existing illness bars disability claims and how to secure benefits.
Waiver Validity and Estoppel: When Taxpayers Cannot Question Defective BIR Waivers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on defective waivers of prescription, taxpayer estoppel, and BIR assessment periods explained in plain language.
Revocation of Teacher’s License, Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies, and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in administrative cases and the distinction between dishonesty and simple negligence in license revocation proceedings.
Just Compensation in Expropriation: Lessons from the Jaro Floodway Case
The Supreme Court clarifies how just compensation is determined in expropriation cases, including the role of zonal values and interest rates.
Protecting Minors Trafficking Conviction Upheld Despite Evidentiary Challenges
Supreme Court affirms life sentence for trafficking a minor, ruling that stipulated facts and credible testimony suffice despite evidentiary questions.
Upholding Seafarer Rights: Employers Must Issue Clear Disability Assessment
Supreme Court rules a company doctor's vague medical report cannot defeat a seafarer's claim for total and permanent disability benefits.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Enforced Disappearance Proving Government Involvement IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidentiary standard for enforced disappearance, requiring proof of government involvement in the deprivation of liberty.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employer Actions Force a Resignation
The Supreme Court explains when a seafarer's resignation becomes constructive dismissal and why this claim failed.
CBA-Protected Benefits: When Management Prerogative Cannot Override the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Philippine Bank of Communications v. PBCOMEA: benefits written into a CBA cannot be unilaterally changed by management without union participation.
Treachery in Murder Cases: Why a Heated Argument Can Downgrade the Crime to Homicide
The Supreme Court explains when a killing after a heated argument lacks treachery, reducing murder to homicide under Philippine law.
HUC Voters and Provincial Plebiscites: The Del Rosario Ruling Explained
Can residents of a highly urbanized city vote in a provincial plebiscite? The Supreme Court says no—here's why.
When Judges Are Sued for Judicial Acts: Lessons from Tallado v. Racoma
The Supreme Court dismisses an administrative complaint against two RTC judges, ruling that judicial errors must be questioned through appeals, not disciplinary cases.
Understanding THE Legal Nuances OF Date Variance IN Trafficking Cases A Comprehensive Guide
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Higher Penalties When Committed Through Social Media
The Supreme Court clarifies how social media posts can prove psychological abuse under RA 9262, and why using Facebook raises the penalty by one degree.
Upholding Notarized Deeds: The Strength of Public Documents in Philippine Property Disputes
Notarized deeds enjoy the presumption of regularity in Philippine property disputes. Learn how the Supreme Court applied this rule in a quieting of title case.
Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
Brokers' Commissions Survive Property Buy-Backs: Lessons from Malate Construction v. ERABCO
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commissions once sale conditions are met, even if buyers later default and properties are bought back.
The Presumption of Regularity of Notarized Documents in Philippine Land Disputes
How a notarized deed of sale's presumption of regularity shapes quieting of title cases, explained through a 2022 Supreme Court ruling.
Fencing Cases: When Possession of Stolen Goods Proves Knowledge and Intent
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how possession of stolen vehicle parts can establish knowledge and intent to gain in fencing cases under PD 1612.
Safeguarding Public Trust: Court Personnel and the Duty to Manage Judicial Funds
A Supreme Court ruling holds a cash clerk liable for misappropriating court funds and reminds clerks of court of their supervisory duties.
Lawyer Accountability: Why Financial Management and Client Service Matter in Court
A Supreme Court ruling on misappropriated court funds shows why lawyers and court personnel must uphold strict financial management and client service standards.
Attorney Suspended for Selling Client-Owned Property and Misrepresenting Ownership
Lawyer suspended three years for selling land he didn't own to a foreign buyer, violating fiduciary duties and legal ethics rules.