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.
When an Interim Medical Assessment Is Not Enough: Seafarer Wins Full Disability Benefits
A company doctor's interim disability rating cannot cut off a seafarer's treatment or benefits. The Supreme Court explains why.
Finality of Judgments: COA Cannot Reverse Absolved Parties' Liability
The Supreme Court rules that the COA cannot reverse a final decision absolving employee-recipients from refunding disallowed benefits, reinforcing finality principles.
When Can You Amend a Labor Complaint? NLRC Rules Explained
Learn the strict NLRC rule on amending labor complaints before the position paper, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Protecting Environmental Advocacy: The Limits of SLAPP Suits in Philippine Jurisprudence
Philippine courts define the limits of strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPP), balancing environmental advocacy with the right to protect reputations.
Timely Filing of Just Compensation Claims Under Philippine Agrarian Law
Learn the 10-year prescriptive period for filing just compensation claims with the Special Agrarian Courts under Philippine agrarian reform law.
Legal Standing and Public Interest Litigation: When Can You Sue the Government in the Philippines?
The Supreme Court explains legal standing, hierarchy of courts, and when citizens may sue the government in this 2023 mandamus ruling.
Mandamus and Inordinate Delay in Government Investigations: Key Lessons from Baquirin v. Dela Rosa
The Supreme Court clarifies when mandamus can compel government investigation of alleged extrajudicial killings, and why standing and hierarchy of courts matter.
Writ of Kalikasan Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Speculation: Water for All Refund Movement Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a Writ of Kalikasan demands concrete evidence of environmental harm, not mere speculation or unsubstantiated allegations.
Writ of Kalikasan: Supreme Court Requires Concrete Evidence, Not Mere Allegations
The Supreme Court clarifies that Writ of Kalikasan petitioners must present concrete evidence linking a defendant's acts to environmental damage, not just allegations.
Citizen Suits and Native Title: What the Maliones Case Means for Philippine Environmental Law
The Supreme Court clarifies that citizen suits protect the environment but cannot resolve native title claims, which belong to the NCIP.
Appeal Bond for Labor-Only Contractors: Solidary Liability and NLRC Appeals
When must a labor-only contractor post an appeal bond? The Supreme Court clarifies solidary liability and appeal perfection rules.
Cabug-os v. Espina: Balancing Employee Rights and Micro-Business Realities
The Supreme Court ruled that illegal dismissal awards against sari-sari stores must be equitable, considering the BMBE status and actual salaries of micro-enterprises.
Executive Privilege vs Legislative Oversight: The Senate v. Medialdea Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed the Senate's petition against the October 2021 Memorandum barring executive officials from Blue Ribbon hearings, citing premature filing.
Dismissed Electric Cooperative GM Can't Claim Retirement: NEA Jurisdiction Ruling
Supreme Court affirms NEA's exclusive jurisdiction over electric cooperative GM retirement claims, forfeiting benefits upon valid dismissal.
Lifting of Mining Closure Orders Revives Writ of Kalikasan Petitions
Supreme Court rules that lifting DENR closure orders revives environmental claims, keeping Writ of Kalikasan petitions alive.
Motion to Quash in Estafa Cases: Grounds, Waiver, and Double Jeopardy Explained
Learn the procedural rules on motion to quash in estafa cases, including waiver of grounds and double jeopardy, from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
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.
Product Imperfection Liability: How Consumers Can Demand Replacement Under the Consumer Act
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when defective products must be replaced under the Consumer Act and who bears liability.
Employee Dismissal in the Philippines: Due Process and Substantial Evidence Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove just cause with substantial evidence and follow procedural due process when dismissing employees.
When Can CLOAs Be Cancelled? A Philippine Supreme Court Guide
The Supreme Court explains when agrarian reform titles (CLOAs) can be cancelled despite indefeasibility, and which tribunal has jurisdiction.
Hierarchy of Courts in Certiorari Petitions: Lessons from Nacionales v. Solde-Annogui
The Supreme Court reaffirms the hierarchy of courts doctrine, requiring certiorari petitions to start at the RTC, not the High Court.
Accountability in Public Infrastructure: When COA Disallowances Become Final
Supreme Court clarifies when COA decisions on disallowed government projects become final and when officials may be held liable.
Environmental Liability in the Philippines: Lessons from the Bataan Thermal Power Plant Case
The Supreme Court clarifies who bears cleanup liability for toxic wastes under Philippine environmental law, using the Bataan Thermal Power Plant case as a guide.
Reassignment Orders and Insubordination: What Public Employees Must Know
Public employees must comply with reassignment orders even while appeals are pending. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of insubordination.