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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Eminent Domain and Easements: Determining Just Compensation for Transmission Lines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on just compensation for transmission line easements, including procedural rules on appeals in expropriation cases.
Dragnet Clauses in Mortgages: Limits on Securing Future Debts with Existing Collateral
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a dragnet clause in a real estate mortgage covers future loans, and when separate security prevails.
Agrarian Reform vs Mineral Rights: Resolving Land Use Conflicts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when mineral lands are exempt from agrarian reform coverage, and the importance of procedural compliance.
Customs Search vs Unlawful Seizure: Limits of Airport Security
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless customs searches at airports, balancing constitutional rights against anti-smuggling enforcement.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Breach of Trust in Employment: Substantiation Required for Valid Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers must prove breach of trust with substantial evidence before terminating employees for loss of confidence.
Equitable Interest When Mortgage Rates Clash With Legal Limits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on redemption rights, mortgage rates, and legal limits in Banco Filipino case.
Redemption Rights Strict Compliance AND THE Limits OF Repurchase Agreements After Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict compliance with statutory redemption periods and limits of repurchase agreements after foreclosure.
Agrarian Law Livestock Farms Exempt From CARP Coverage If Primarily Devoted To Livestock Raising Before 1988
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when livestock farms are exempt from agrarian reform coverage under CARP and RA 6657.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Dismiss? Lessons from Bonifacio Construction
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that denial of a motion to dismiss is interlocutory, not appealable via certiorari. Learn the proper remedy.
Unjust Enrichment and Contractual Obligations: Lessons from Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void land sales, down payment refunds, and unjust enrichment in Limaco v. Shonan Gakuen.
Protecting Labor's Bread: Defining Employee Status and Rights to Benefits in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on security of tenure, back salaries, and the binding authority of CSC regional offices in personnel matters.
Can a Foreign Corporation Sue for Unfair Competition in the Philippines?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a foreign corporation not doing business locally can pursue unfair competition claims.
Valid Service of Court Decisions: Ensuring Due Process Through Proper Notification
Learn how valid service of court decisions protects due process rights, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on notice requirements.
Trademark Infringement Courts Retain Jurisdiction Despite Pending Trademark Cancellation Proceedings
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that courts can hear trademark infringement cases even while cancellation proceedings are pending before the intellectual property office.
Corporate Identity and Loan Obligations: Name Change Does Not Excuse Debt Payment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a corporate name change or bank identity affects loan obligations and surety liability.
When Government Delays Just Compensation: Property Return After Unreasonable Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: government must pay just compensation promptly or risk losing expropriated property back to its owner.
VAT Zero-Rating for Services Performed in the Philippines Paid in Foreign Currency
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating rules for services performed locally but paid in foreign currency, striking down restrictive BIR regulations.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Jurisdiction in Unfair Competition Cases: RTC vs MTC Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that Regional Trial Courts, not Metropolitan Trial Courts, have jurisdiction over unfair competition cases under the Intellectual Property Code.
Balancing Justice AND Procedure When Courts CAN Relax Rules FOR Fairness
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules may be relaxed to serve substantial justice, using a forum-shopping case as example.
Due Process in Employment Termination: Balancing Employer Authority and Employee Rights in Dismissal Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule and hearing requirement in dismissal cases, and the nominal damages for procedural lapses.
Laches and Land Disputes: When Delaying a Claim Can Cost You Ownership in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains how laches—unreasonable delay in asserting a claim—can bar recovery of titled property, even for legal heirs.
When Loss of Trust Can Lead to Termination: Employee Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal, loss of trust, and due process in employee termination cases.