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.
Budgetary Control vs Regional Autonomy: The Atitiw Ruling on Appropriations Law
The Supreme Court explains when a spending restriction in the GAA is a valid budgetary policy, not an unconstitutional rider.
Protecting Trademarks: The Balance Between Brand Identity and Business Operations
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary injunctions may issue in trademark cases, balancing brand protection against business disruption.
Electricity Meter Malfunctions: Who Bears the Cost of Unregistered Consumption
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who pays for unregistered electricity when a defective meter causes under-billing.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
Vehicular Homicide vs. Murder: Intent and the Use of a Motor Vehicle
When does a fatal vehicular incident become murder? The Mallari case shows how intent and the use of a motor vehicle elevate the crime.
When Counsel's Negligence Binds the Client: Due Diligence in Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's failure to act diligently on an appeal binds the client, and what counts as notice of a decision.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Rights of Sugar Plantation Workers
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugar workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and full labor rights.
Finality of Judgment: When Labor Decisions Become Unchangeable
Learn when labor case decisions become final and unchangeable, and why courts require clear factual findings before ruling on employer liability.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Foundation of Illegal Dismissal Liability
Why labor tribunals must establish employer-employee relationship before ruling on illegal dismissal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
Court Orders Are Not Requests: Disciplinary Action for Lawyers Who Disregard Them
A lawyer's failure to obey court and IBP orders is disrespect for the judiciary and can draw disciplinary sanctions.
When Eminent Domain Leads to Total Loss: Just Compensation for Uninhabitable Property
When government projects render private property uninhabitable, the taking is deemed complete and full just compensation is due.
Forged Documents and Ethical Boundaries: Attorney Accountability in Court Submissions
Supreme Court ruling on bank liability, damages, and the ethical duty of lawyers to verify documents before court submission.
Judicial Accountability in Unlawful Detainer Cases: The Montemayor Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on a judge's delay in an ejectment case underscores the strict timelines and impartiality required of Philippine courts.
Mistake of Law vs Mistake of Fact: Grounds for Relief from Judgment in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that only mistakes of fact, not errors of law, justify relief from judgment under Rule 38.
Rape and Consent: The Supreme Court's Stance on Sweetheart Defense and Weapon Use
Learn how the Supreme Court treats date and relationship allegations in rape cases, and why precise time is not essential for conviction.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglect and Absconding with Client Records
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for one year for neglecting client cases, absconding with records, and keeping fees without rendering service.
Attorney's Duty of Fidelity: Neglect and Abandonment in Legal Representation
When a lawyer takes a client's money and disappears with case records, the Supreme Court draws a firm line on professional responsibility.
Upholding Decorum: The Limits of a Process Server's Conduct in Serving Legal Documents
Process servers must maintain courtesy and dignity even when challenged. A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the limits of conduct in serving court documents.
Tax Exemptions for Government Corporations: The Philippine Ports Authority Case
The Supreme Court clarifies when government-owned corporations like the PPA must pay local taxes, and when they cannot change legal theories on appeal.
Easement by Prescription: Why Permissive Use Never Ripens Into a Right-of-Way
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why tolerated use of land cannot create an easement by prescription, and when prescriptive periods for compensation begin.
Corporate Officers' Apparent Authority and Breach of Warranties in Stock Sales
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on corporate president's apparent authority to bind company and breach of warranty claims in stock purchase agreements.
When Can a Corporate President Bind the Corporation? Lessons from Inter-Asia v. Asia Industries
A corporate president can bind the corporation even without board authority under apparent authority. Learn the rules from this Supreme Court case.