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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Regular vs Project Employees: Understanding Security of Tenure in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the test for regular vs project employee status, security of tenure, and the two-notice rule in illegal dismissal cases.
Beyond the Case Title: Why Complaint Allegations Dictate Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the allegations in a complaint, not its title, determine whether a case is for ejectment or collection of sum of money.
Optional Retirement vs Financial Assistance: Employee Rights and Employer Prerogatives in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when optional retirement is an employer's prerogative and when financial assistance may still be granted as an equitable concession.
Psychological Incapacity in Philippine Annulment: Why Expert Evidence Is Crucial
Philippine Supreme Court explains why expert evidence is crucial in psychological incapacity annulment cases under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Navigating Philippine Warrants of Arrest: When Can a Court Act on Your Motion
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts can act on motions to quash warrants of arrest, distinguishing custody of law from jurisdiction over the person.
Upholding Judicial Order: Why Judges Must Obey Supreme Court Directives
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge fined for violating an administrative order—what it means for judicial discipline and court authority.
Mining Rights vs Property Rights: Balancing Public Benefit and Just Compensation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the Mining Act of 1995, explaining when entry into private lands becomes compensable taking.
Nominal Damages in Labor Disputes: When Courts Can Reduce the Award
Philippine Supreme Court explains when and how courts may reduce nominal damages awarded to employees in illegal dismissal cases.
Indefeasibility of Torrens Titles in the Philippines: Fraud and the One-Year Rule Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Torrens title indefeasibility, the one-year fraud review period, and why titles from public land patents become incontrovertible.
Lost Land Title? Why Notifying Neighbors Is Non-Negotiable: A Philippine Case Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failing to prove notice to adjoining owners voids a judicial reconstitution of a lost land title.
Employee Dismissal: Gross Negligence and Loss of Trust in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when gross negligence and loss of trust justify employee dismissal, and when they do not.
Filing Administrative Cases Against Judges: When Is a Judge Liable for an Unjust Judgment
Philippine Supreme Court explains when judges face administrative liability for erroneous rulings and the duty to answer complaints.
Ejectment Suits: Prior Physical Possession Decides Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in ejectment cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—determines who stays. Learn the rules from Guanga v. Dela Cruz.
Inadvertent Misrepresentation as a Lawyer: When It Is Not Contempt of Court in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that inadvertent misrepresentation as a lawyer without intent to practice is not indirect contempt.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.
Employer-Employee Relationship Is Key to Labor Jurisdiction in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employer-employee relationship is jurisdictional in illegal dismissal cases and when corporate officers can be held liable.
Habeas Corpus and Mootness: When Release Ends a Petition in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a detainee's release renders a habeas corpus petition moot, with practical guidance.
Sheriff Misconduct: When Overzealous Court Service Becomes a Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules on sheriff misconduct when overzealous implementation of court orders and service of pleadings exceeds authority.
Red Flags in Permit Applications: Avoiding Administrative Liability for Public Officials
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Bedruz v. Ombudsman explains how approving permits with glaring defects can make public officials administratively liable.
Public Servants Must Pay Just Debts: A Lesson in Integrity in Philippine Public Office
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: public employees face reprimand for willful failure to pay just debts, upholding integrity in public service.
When "No Work, No Pay" Doesn't Apply: Employee Rights During Internal Investigations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when an employee under investigation may still be entitled to wages, even if not reporting for work.
Mayor's Authority to Sign Contracts: Local Government Powers Under Philippine Law
Learn when a city mayor can validly sign contracts for the local government, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on market stall leases.
Lawyer's Inaction Causing Case Dismissal Is Professional Misconduct: Agustin v. Empleo
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands a lawyer for four years of inaction on a court order, resulting in case dismissal. Know the duty.
Forcible Entry vs Recovery of Ownership: Court Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a property dispute is forcible entry (MTC jurisdiction) or recovery of ownership (RTC jurisdiction).