法律洞察

Unlawful Detainer Rentals Reckoned From Demand to Vacate, Not Initial Occupation

Supreme Court rules rental arrears in unlawful detainer run from demand to vacate, not from start of tolerated occupation.

Reckless Imprudence Penalty Corrected in Road Accident Conviction

SC clarifies proper penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in serious physical injuries, correcting CA's erroneous penalty imposition.

Partial Payment of Filing Fees in BP 22 Cases: The Supreme Court’s Ruling on Access to Justice

The Supreme Court allows complainants in multiple BP 22 cases to pay filing fees per case, ensuring access to justice.

Executive Agreements Override Procurement Laws: Land Bank v. Atlanta Industries

When a foreign-funded project follows an executive agreement's procurement rules, RA 9184 yields—explained in Land Bank v. Atlanta Industries.

Task Basis vs Regular Employment: Clarifying Holiday, SIL, and 13th Month Pay Rights

Supreme Court clarifies that task-basis workers are not automatically barred from holiday, SIL, and 13th month pay.

Seafarers Rights Medical Expenses Are Separate From Disability Benefits

Supreme Court clarifies that medical expenses, sickness allowance, and disability benefits are separate liabilities under the POEA-SEC.

Land Registration: Possession Before Alienability Declaration Counts

Supreme Court clarifies that possession before a land's alienability declaration counts for registration, if declared alienable at application time.

Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Company Be Held Liable for Another's Debts?

Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may disregard corporate personality and hold one company liable for another's obligations.

When a Blessing Becomes an Illegal Marriage Ceremony: The Ronulo Case

The Supreme Court clarifies when a priest's blessing of a couple without a marriage license becomes an illegal marriage ceremony under Article 352 of the Revised Penal Code.

Upholding Drug Conviction: Chain of Custody and Presumption of Regularity

Philippine Supreme Court affirms drug sale conviction, explaining chain of custody rules and presumption of regularity in police work under RA 9165.

Reinstatement Rights Balancing Seniority AND Prevailing Wage Standards IN Illegal Dismissal Cases

Supreme Court clarifies that reinstatement "without loss of seniority rights" does not mean equal pay with newer, differently-situated employees.

Employer Claims Against Employee for SSS Contributions: Labor Arbiter Jurisdiction

Supreme Court rules employer's claim for reimbursement of SSS contributions and damages against employee falls under Labor Arbiter jurisdiction.

Tax Assessments, Formal Offer of Evidence, and Due Process in Deficiency Tax Claims

The Supreme Court clarifies when tax assessments are void for lack of due process and why formal offer of evidence matters before the CTA.

Negligence VS Social Justice When CAN A Dismissed Employee Receive Separation PAY

When Property Rights Clash: Can a Claim for Damages Survive a Mooted Injunction

A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when a damages claim survives even after the main injunction case becomes moot.

Mutuality of Contracts: When Banks Cannot Unilaterally Raise Interest Rates

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on Silos v. PNB explains why unilateral interest rate hikes violate the mutuality principle in loan contracts.

Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process

Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.

Supreme Court Limits Presidential Spending Power in Araullo v. Aquino III

The Supreme Court struck down parts of the Disbursement Acceleration Program, reaffirming that public funds require congressional appropriation under the Constitution.

Condonation and Concubinage: Understanding Marital Forgiveness in Philippine Law

The Supreme Court clarifies how condonation affects criminal liability for concubinage under the Revised Penal Code, and what spouses should know.

Due Process in Termination: Employer's Duty to Ensure Fair Hearing and the Scope of Nominal Damages

Supreme Court clarifies employers' duty to observe procedural due process in dismissals and the proper basis for awarding nominal damages.

Grave Misconduct and Public Service: Upholding Integrity in Government Employment

Philippine Supreme Court ruling on grave misconduct in government service, explaining its definition, penalties, and the high standard of integrity required of public officials and employees.

Navigating VAT Refund Deadlines Strict Compliance Under THE Nirc

Upholding Employee Rights NPC Employees Entitled TO Separation PAY Despite Corporate Restructuring

Supreme Court rules NPC illegally dismissed employees entitled to separation pay, backwages despite corporate restructuring under EPIRA.

Good Faith vs Due Diligence: Protecting Land Titles in the Philippines

When can a forged land title become valid? The Supreme Court explains the limits of good faith and due diligence for property buyers.