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.
Native Title vs. Statutory Rights: Land Ownership in Baguio City After the IPRA Exemption Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies that Baguio City is exempt from the IPRA, except for native title claims based on time immemorial possession.
Land Registration in the Philippines: Understanding Alienable and Disposable Land
Learn how RA 11573 changed proof requirements for registering alienable and disposable land in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Conjugal Property Transfers After the Family Code: When a Spouse's Consent Is Required
The Supreme Court clarifies when a spouse's sale of conjugal property without consent is void or voidable, and the prescriptive period for challenging it.
Mining Rights vs Indigenous Rights: Prior Consent Is Paramount for MPSA Renewal
Supreme Court rules FPIC and NCIP certification are mandatory for MPSA renewal, protecting indigenous peoples' ancestral domain rights.
Land Registration Reopened: New Evidence and RA 11573 Can Overcome Res Judicata
The Supreme Court allows previously denied land registration applications to proceed under RA 11573, easing proof requirements and overcoming res judicata.
Missing Land Records Do Not Invalidate Decree: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that a land registration decree remains valid even when government records are missing, protecting landowners from administrative oversights.
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.
PhilHealth Personnel as Public Health Workers: The UHC Act's Curative Effect on Benefits
The Supreme Court confirms PhilHealth personnel are public health workers entitled to hazard, subsistence, and laundry allowances under RA 7305.
Reinstatement After Illegal Dismissal: Employee Rights in Corporate Reorganizations
When a company reorganizes, employees still have rights. The Supreme Court explains illegal dismissal and reinstatement in NPC v. Cabanag.
Unlawful Detainer When Initial Objection Voids A Claim OF Tolerance
Supreme Court ruling on unlawful detainer, lease renewal options, and binding successors-in-interest in property law.
POEA Jurisdiction Over Seafarer Disciplinary Cases: NLRC Has No Appellate Review
Supreme Court clarifies that appeals from POEA disciplinary action cases against seafarers go to the Labor Secretary, not the NLRC.
Forfeiture of Net Profits in Legal Separation: Protecting Children's Rights
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies forfeiture of guilty spouse's net profits in legal separation, protecting children's inheritance rights.
Is Your Organization Subject to Government Audit? Understanding COA Jurisdiction in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when Philippine government agencies may be audited by the Commission on Audit, and what this means for private organizations.
GSIS Pension Rights: Recovering Retirement Benefits After a Wrongful Denial
Learn how the Supreme Court protects government retirees' pension rights, even when GSIS initially approved benefits under the wrong law.
Retroactivity of Laws and Vested Rights in Bank Liquidation: PDIC v. Stockholders of Intercity Bank
When can a new law apply to an ongoing bank liquidation? The Supreme Court explains the rule on retroactivity and vested rights.
The Fresh Period Rule: Reinterpreting Appeal Deadlines for Fair Adjudication
The Supreme Court clarifies the fresh period rule, allowing appeals within 15 days from denial of reconsideration, promoting substantial justice.
Military Pension and Citizenship: The Parreño Ruling on PD 1638
Retired AFP officers who lose Filipino citizenship can have their pensions terminated under PD 1638, as upheld in Parreño v. COA.
Agricultural Land Reclassification: Continued Use Does Not Override Prior Conversion
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior land reclassification to commercial use affects agrarian reform coverage and tenant rights.
Laches and Land Rights: Why Delay Can Defeat Property Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how laches and inaction can bar property reconveyance claims even when fraud is alleged.
Water Rights vs Interference: When Courts Decide Water District Disputes
Supreme Court clarifies when regular courts, not the water council, have jurisdiction over water district disputes involving interference with vested rights.
The Perils of Second Pre-Trials: Safeguarding Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a second pre-trial without proper notice violates due process, and explains the proper appeal route for COSLAP decisions.
Retroactivity vs Prospectivity: Protecting Vested Rights in Agrarian Reform Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when its ruling on the proper mode of appeal in agrarian cases applies, protecting vested rights.
Retroactivity of Remedial Laws: Clarifying the Period for Filing Certiorari Petitions
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 60-day period for filing certiorari petitions is counted, applying amended procedural rules retroactively.
Appointment vs Reassignment: Clarifying the Role of Local School Boards in Superintendent Designations
The Supreme Court clarifies when local school board consultation is required for schools division superintendent designations, distinguishing appointment from reassignment.