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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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.
Second Marriages Validity Hinges ON Proof OF Dissolution OF THE First
Supreme Court rules a marriage certificate alone cannot prove bigamy; the prior marriage must be shown to still subsist.
Unauthorized Foreshore Structures as Public Nuisance: Calimlim v. Goño
The Supreme Court rules that unauthorized structures on foreshore land constitute a public nuisance and must be removed.
When Can a Bank Apply Your Payment to Another Debt? Supreme Court Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may apply loan payments to other debts, protecting borrowers from unfair payment application.
Premarital Pregnancy and Employee Rights: Illegal Suspension in the Philippines
Supreme Court rules suspending a teacher for premarital pregnancy is illegal; secular morality governs employment discipline in the Philippines.
Zoning vs Vested Rights: When Local Ordinances Clash With National Policy
Supreme Court rules on Quezon City zoning ordinance vs Manila Seedling Bank's usufructuary rights over national government property.
When Can the Comelec Disqualify Bidders? Electoral Integrity vs Procurement Law
The Supreme Court rules on the limits of Comelec's power to disqualify bidders under procurement law.
Court Employee's Rape Charge Leads to Administrative Liability Despite Acquittal
Supreme Court rules criminal acquittal does not bar administrative liability; court employee fined P400,000 for conduct tainting judiciary.
Presidential Power vs Individual Rights: Amnesty Revocation in the Philippines
The Supreme Court rules on amnesty revocation, due process, and the limits of presidential power in the Trillanes cases.
Dishonesty and Insubordination in the Workplace: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Analysis
The Supreme Court rules on serious dishonesty and gross insubordination by a court employee who tampered with her daily time record.
Construction Arbitration: When Non-Signatories Are Bound by Arbitration Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when non-signatories to a construction contract can be bound by its arbitration clause, clarifying CIAC jurisdiction.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Ill-Gotten Wealth and Lease Contract Validity
Supreme Court rules Sandiganbayan has jurisdiction over lease contract nullity involving alleged ill-gotten wealth, affirming state ownership of Paoay properties.
Zealous Representation vs Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Demand Letter Is Not Deceit
A lawyer's demand letter to protect a client's interest in an unsettled estate is not misconduct, the Supreme Court rules.
When Does a Lawyer's Suspension Start? SC Clarifies Constructive Notice
The Supreme Court rules that a lawyer's suspension can begin upon constructive receipt of the decision when the lawyer's whereabouts are unknown.
When a Facebook Post Becomes a Crime: VAWC, Social Media, and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court rules that using Facebook to commit psychological abuse under VAWC warrants a higher penalty under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Local Tax Assessments After Corporate Restructuring: Who Pays?
Supreme Court rules on who bears local business tax liability when a government corporation's operations transfer by law to another entity.
Lone Legislative Districts and Provincial Board Seats: The San Jose Del Monte Ruling
A lone legislative district is entitled to its own seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, the Supreme Court rules in Robes v. COMELEC.
Protecting Children's Dignity: When Words Wound and the Law Responds
Supreme Court rules that humiliating a child violates the Civil Code and can make offenders liable for damages.
Election Gun Ban: Can Bladed Weapons Be Prohibited?
The Supreme Court rules on whether the COMELEC election gun ban can cover bladed instruments like knives, and explains how to challenge its constitutionality.
Forged Donation Municipality Liable FOR Taking Private Land Without Just Compensation
Supreme Court rules a municipality must pay just compensation when it builds a road on private land under a forged deed of donation.
Senior Citizen Discount on Funeral Services Includes Interment, SC Rules
Supreme Court rules interment services are covered by the 20% senior citizen discount on funeral and burial services under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
Copyright Infringement: Playing Music in Commercial Establishments Without a License
Philippine Supreme Court rules commercial establishments need music licenses. Learn about copyright infringement, FILSCAP, and royalty obligations.
Dismissal Delayed Is Justice Denied: The Right to Speedy Disposition in Philippine Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court rules that inordinate delay by the Ombudsman in resolving administrative cases violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Civil Registry Corrections Cannot Impugn Legitimacy or Filiation
The Supreme Court rules that Rule 108 petitions cannot be used to collaterally attack a child's legitimated status or the validity of a marriage.