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.
Constructive Dismissal and OFWs: What the Supreme Court Says About Quitting
The Supreme Court explains when an OFW's resignation is constructive dismissal and how quitclaims affect claims for unpaid wages.
Writ of Prohibition in Philippine Courts: Protecting Rights From Court Overreach
Learn how the Supreme Court defines the proper use of prohibition writs and protects non-parties from court orders exceeding jurisdiction.
Unlawful Detainer vs Forcible Entry: Key Differences in Philippine Ejectment Cases
Learn the key differences between unlawful detainer and forcible entry in Philippine ejectment cases, and why the right cause of action matters.
Void Contracts and Ejectment: Property Rights in the Philippines
When a contract is void from the start, it cannot support an ejectment suit. Learn the legal rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
When Void Contracts Cannot Support Ejectment: Republic v. La'o
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void contracts under RA 3019 and their effect on ejectment cases and property rights.
Injunctions and Property Disputes: Understanding Court Jurisdiction in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts handle property disputes, injunctions, and jurisdiction—key lessons from Republic v. La'o.
David v. Arroyo: The Supreme Court on Presidential Powers and Civil Liberties
A landmark ruling on how the President's emergency powers under the Constitution must yield to fundamental civil liberties.
Conjugal vs Paraphernal Property: Protecting Marital Assets in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts distinguish conjugal from paraphernal property and why spouses cannot use conjugal assets to pay personal debts.
Managerial Staff vs Regular Employees: Overtime Pay and Labor Standards in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why managerial staff, like regular employees, are exempt from overtime pay and other labor standard benefits.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Judicial Delay in the Philippines: Holding Judges Accountable for Delayed Case Resolutions
A Supreme Court ruling shows Philippine judges face fines for failing to resolve motions within the mandatory 30-day period.
Discernment of Minors in Philippine Criminal Law: Juvenile Responsibility Explained
A 12-year-old's rape conviction upheld by the Supreme Court, clarifying when minors act with discernment under Philippine law.
Contract to Sell vs. Contract of Sale: Why Consent on Payment Terms Matters
The Supreme Court clarifies when a property agreement is a contract to sell, not a sale, and why consent on payment terms is decisive.
Peaceful Assembly in the Philippines: Know Your Rights and Permit Requirements After Bayan v. Ermita
The Supreme Court upheld the permit requirement for rallies but struck down the Calibrated Preemptive Response policy. Learn your rights.
Breach of Trust Attorney Disbarred for Exploiting Clients Vulnerability and Acquiring Property
Learn how a Philippine attorney's breach of trust and exploitation of a client's vulnerability led to disbarment and property acquisition penalties.
Election Bans and Government Employee Reassignments: What Davalos Teaches Us
A look at how the Supreme Court treats cash advances, liquidation duties, and accountability of public officers.
Executive Privilege in the Philippines: When Can the President Withhold Information? Ermita v. Senate Explaine
The Supreme Court's ruling in Ermita v. Senate defines the limits of executive privilege and Congress's power of inquiry in the Philippines.
Pre-Need Memorial Plans in the Philippines: Understanding Contract Terms and Funeral Service Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on pre-need memorial plans, contract terms, and when funeral service claims fail.
Docket Fees and Court Jurisdiction: The Sun Insurance Doctrine Explained
Learn how the Sun Insurance doctrine clarifies when deficient docket fees affect court jurisdiction, and when they merely create a lien on the judgment.
Beyond 30 Days When Preventive Suspension Becomes Constructive Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that preventive suspension beyond 30 days can constitute constructive dismissal, entitling employees to reinstatement and backwages.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: When a Court Order Is Required in the Philippines
Philippine law generally requires a special court order before a city may demolish existing structures, even those built without permits. Learn the rules.
No-Spouse Policies in the Philippines: What the Star Paper Ruling Means
Philippine employers cannot enforce no-spouse rules without clear business necessity. The Star Paper ruling explains why.
Lost Your Case ON A Technicality Understanding Verification AND Certification IN Philippine Courts
A Supreme Court ruling explains why failing to verify a petition or certify against forum shopping can end a case before it begins.
Safeguarding Assets: Understanding Preliminary Attachment in Philippine Debt Recovery
Learn how Philippine courts handle writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure, and why procedural rules like the hierarchy of courts matter.