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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Perfecting Contracts: Consent and the Statute of Frauds in Share Sales
A Supreme Court ruling explains when letters become a binding share sale contract and what the Statute of Frauds requires.
Custodial Rights Under Forest Management Agreements and Confiscated Resources
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who holds custody of confiscated forest products and conveyances under IFMA and DENR deputization.
Employee Misconduct and Due Process: When Can Separation Benefits Be Withheld
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on separation pay, quitclaims, and due process in authorized termination cases.
Good Faith Prevails When Government Entities Cant Recover Improperly Paid Benefits
Explore when good faith protects government employees from repaying benefits erroneously paid, based on Philippine Supreme Court rulings.
Voting Rights and Corporate Governance: Reaffirming Stockholder Rights in Philippine Corporations
Supreme Court ruling on Class B shareholders' voting rights under the Corporation Code, clarifying limits on share classification.
The Limits of Judicial Relief: Why a Court Can't Grant What You Didn't Ask For
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on administrative liability of judges who fail to decide cases within the 90-day reglementary period.
Habitual Tardiness in the Workplace: When Excuses Don't Excuse Accountability
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness, pregnancy as an excuse, and penalties under Civil Service rules.
Habitual Neglect of Duty Is Just Cause for Termination Despite Mitigating Factors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when habitual neglect of duty justifies dismissal, and when mitigating factors cannot save an employee.
Upholding Work Ethic Consequences for Habitual Tardiness in Public Service
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on habitual tardiness in public service, penalties, and why family excuses don't excuse chronic lateness.
Parental Love vs Property Rights: When Family Land Disputes Reach Court
A Supreme Court ruling on ejectment between parents and children, and when a builder in good faith may claim indemnity for improvements under Article 448.
Judges Must Control Court Proceedings and Resolve Cases Promptly: A Lesson from A.M. No. 03-10-250-MCTC
A Supreme Court ruling reminds judges they cannot delegate control of court proceedings to clerks or litigants, and must resolve cases promptly.
Cable TV Rates: NTC Has Exclusive Power Over Local Government Authority
Supreme Court ruling on whether local governments can regulate cable TV subscriber rates, clarifying NTC's exclusive authority.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
When Language Barriers Invalidate Estate Settlement Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on when signing an English document without understanding it can void an estate settlement under Article 1332.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Judicial Efficiency vs Prosecutorial Overreach: Balancing Justice and Accountability in Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling sanctioned both a judge who delayed deciding cases and the prosecutor whose excessive complaints burdened the courts with baseless charges.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.