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.
Simple Misconduct in Philippine Courts: Consequences and Employee Benefits
A judge's office closure during work hours led to simple misconduct liability and clarified rules on benefits eligibility in the judiciary.
When Tax Disputes Between Government Agencies Must Be Settled Administratively
Supreme Court ruling on whether tax disputes between government agencies go to the CTA or administrative settlement under P.D. 242.
SALN Compliance: Government’s Duty to Notify and Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court clarifies that government agencies must follow the mandatory review and compliance procedure before penalizing officials for SALN errors or omissions.
Illegal Dismissal of Cooperative Officers: CDA, Not Labor Tribunals, Has Jurisdiction
The Supreme Court clarifies that illegal dismissal complaints by cooperative officers fall under CDA jurisdiction, not labor tribunals.
Equitable Interest: How Liquidating Dividends Impact Foreign Land Ownership in the Philippines
SC ruling on whether a foreign stockholder's liquidating dividends in Philippine land may be levied to satisfy judgment debts.
Teacher Misconduct and Child Abuse: When Dismissal Is Justified in the Philippines
When does teacher misconduct justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of compassionate justice in child abuse cases.
Notarial Negligence and Tax Evasion: Lessons from Lopez v. Atty. Ramos
A notary's duty to verify identity and refuse unlawful deals explained through a lawyer's suspension for tax evasion.
How Lawyers' Dilatory Tactics Can Delay Justice: Lessons from a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
Six lawyers were disciplined for filing frivolous motions to delay execution of a final judgment. Learn the rules they violated.
Upholding Watershed Preservation When Ancestral Land Claims Clash With Environmental Protection In Baguio
The Supreme Court rules that pending ancestral land claims do not justify injunctions against demolition in the Busol Watershed, prioritizing environmental preservation.
Priority in Public Land Sales: Prior Application vs Length of Occupancy
In public land sales, the date of application generally prevails over length of occupancy. Galindez v. Firmalan explains why.
When Judges Fall Short: Accountability, Mediation Rules, and Court Personnel Duties
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judicial accountability, proper mediation referral, and the limits of delegating court personnel duties.
Securities Deposit Immunity Protecting Policyholders Interests IN Insurance Contracts
Learn how the Supreme Court protects policyholders' interests through the securities deposit immunity rule in insurance contracts.
COMELEC Authority Over Election Officers and Execution Pending Appeal Rules
Supreme Court clarifies COMELEC's supervisory power over election officers and when courts lose jurisdiction to order execution pending appeal.
Priority of Registered Adverse Claims Over Subsequent Mortgages: Protecting Land Rights in the Philippines
Learn how a registered adverse claim protects land rights against subsequent mortgages, and why prior registration prevails under Philippine property law.
Local Government Representation Legal Officers Exclusive Authority
Supreme Court clarifies that local government units must be represented by their legal officers, not the OSG, in court cases.
Challenging the Sweetheart Defense: Consensual vs Forced Intimacy in Philippine Rape Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when the "sweetheart defense" fails in rape cases, and how courts weigh consent against force and intimidation.
Ownership Disputes and Wrongful Property Levy: Why Registration Prevails Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on why unregistered sales lose to registered titles and levies, and what buyers must prove to claim good faith.
Tax Treaty Benefits vs. BIR Rules: The Deutsche Bank Ruling on Prior Application
The Supreme Court clarifies that failure to comply with the BIR's prior application rule does not automatically bar tax treaty relief.
Speedy Trial vs Consolidation: Protecting the Accused's Rights
The Supreme Court rules that consolidating criminal cases cannot override an accused's constitutional right to a speedy trial.
Voluntary Arbitration vs. Labor Arbiter: Philippine Labor Dispute Jurisdiction
When does voluntary arbitration prevail over Labor Arbiter jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in University of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC.
Judicial Seniority in the Court of Appeals: Date of Appointment Controls
The Supreme Court settles how CA justices' seniority is determined—by appointment date, not transmittal or barcode.
Innocent Purchaser For Value: When Prior Attachment Defects Don't Erase Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attachment registration, innocent purchaser doctrine, and property rights under PD 1529.
Foreshore Lease Preference: Riparian Rights vs. Reclamation in Philippine Land Law
Supreme Court ruling on whether a littoral owner retains preferential right to lease foreshore land that has been reclaimed by another applicant.
Breach of Construction Contract: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Disputes
Learn when the CIAC has exclusive jurisdiction over construction contract disputes and why courts must defer to arbitration clauses.