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.
Seafarers Death After Repatriation Ensuring Compensation FOR Work Related Illnesses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on death benefits for seafarers who die shortly after repatriation from work-related illnesses.
Inconsistent Testimony Does NOT Automatically Break Chain of Custody in Drug Cases
The Supreme Court rules that minor inconsistencies in witness testimony do not automatically break the chain of custody in drug cases.
Labor-Only Contracting: When a Principal Becomes the True Employer
Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting and employer-employee relationship, holding principals liable for benefits when contractors lack capital or control.
Reasonable Doubt Prevails: Acquittal in Theft Case Due to Insufficient Proof of Felonious Taking
When circumstantial evidence fails to prove felonious taking beyond reasonable doubt, the accused must be acquitted. The Supreme Court explains.
Docket Fees and Real Actions: Jurisdictional Requirements in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how unpaid docket fees and mislabeled complaints affect court jurisdiction in Philippine property cases, based on a 2016 Supreme Court ruling.
Union Members' Right to Due Process in Suspension and Expulsion Cases
Supreme Court rules union officers liable for unfair labor practices when they ignore members' appeals from suspension and expulsion.
Union Officers' Failure to Act on Member's Appeal Is Unfair Labor Practice
Supreme Court rules union officers who ignore a member's appeal commit unfair labor practice violating the right to self-organization.
Land Conversion Disputes and the Finality of Agrarian Reform Decisions
The Supreme Court affirms that final and executory DAR conversion orders may no longer be questioned, especially on issues first raised on appeal.
Pactum Commissorium: When Mortgage Agreements Unfairly Benefit Lenders
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on mortgage validity, unconscionable interest rates, and when borrowers cannot escape contractual obligations.
Divisibility of Contractual Obligations and Remedies for Breach in Philippine Sales Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on divisible vs. indivisible obligations in sales contracts and remedies upon breach.
When Arbitration Clauses Bind Non-Signatories: Nominees and Related Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arbitration clauses extend to nominees and subsequent related agreements under RA 9285.
Balancing Public Order and Private Rights: Limits on Summary Abatement of Nuisances
When can barangay officials destroy property as a public nuisance? The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of summary abatement.
Final Liquidation Court Orders Prevail Over Collection Suits: Solidbank v. CA
A final liquidation court order cannot be overturned by a trial court in a separate collection suit, explains the Supreme Court in Solidbank v. CA.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: Defining the Scope of Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bus company is liable for a passenger's death caused by a co-passenger, distinguishing extraordinary diligence from ordinary care.
Breach of Contract of Carriage: When Bad Faith Is Needed for Moral Damages
Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable in breach of contract of carriage cases, requiring bad faith or fraud by the carrier.
Flight Delay Liability: Fortuitous Events and Bad Faith in Breach of Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when airlines are liable for flight delays—fortuitous events and bad faith explained.
When Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
Termination Disputes and Choice of Law: Protecting Philippine Labor Rights in Cross-Border Employment
Philippine labor tribunals can hear termination disputes involving foreign employers; Philippine law applies when the worker's duties are performed here.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale and Estafa: Conviction Upheld by Supreme Court
Learn how the Supreme Court affirmed convictions for illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and what this means for overseas job seekers.
Supreme Court Upholds Conviction for Large-Scale Illegal Recruitment and Estafa
The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction for large-scale illegal recruitment and estafa, clarifying the elements of both crimes and the penalties imposed.
Breach of Trust When Messenger Becomes Thief: Qualified Theft and Carnapping in Philippine Law
A messenger who took his employer's cash and motorcycle faced both carnapping and qualified theft charges. The Supreme Court explains the distinction.
Breach of Trust: How a Messenger's Betrayal Led to Convictions for Carnapping and Qualified Theft
A messenger who vanished with his employer's money and motorcycle was convicted of carnapping and qualified theft. The Supreme Court explains why.
Personnel Actions and the Courts: When CSC Jurisdiction Yields to Judicial Review
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when courts may hear personnel actions involving public officers despite CSC jurisdiction.
Arrastre Operator Liability: Proving Delivery Diligence in Cargo Claims
When is an arrastre operator liable for missing cargo? The Supreme Court clarifies the burden of proof and the effect of signed gate passes.