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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Sheriff's Duty and Time Limits for Enforcing a Writ of Possession in the Philippines
Explaining the 60-day rule for enforcing writs of possession, the effect of court orders, and a sheriff's liability for delay.
Judicial Accountability in the Philippines: Ensuring Timely Justice and Efficient Court Management
A Supreme Court ruling on a deputy sheriff's neglect of duty underscores the exacting standards of judicial accountability in the Philippines.
When Health Is Not an Excuse: Understanding Neglect of Duty for Public Servants in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that illness does not excuse neglect of duty for public servants, defining the distinction from negligence.
Perfecting CAR Sales Contracts IN THE Philippines Understanding Buyer Rights AND Seller Obligations
Learn when a car sale contract is perfected in the Philippines, buyer rights, and seller obligations from the Xentrex Automotive case.
Probate Disputes: How Illicit Relationships Impact Will Validity in the Philippines
Philippine law on probate and will validity—how illicit relationships affect testamentary capacity and legal heirs' rights.
Illegal Dismissal Employee Rights and Employer Responsibilities in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine illegal dismissal, retirement age rules, and what employers must pay when terminating employees unlawfully.
Missed Deadlines Lost Power Understanding Constitutional Limits on Sequestration in the Philippines
A writ of sequestration must be issued and served within 18 months, and a case filed within 6 months, or the order is automatically lifted.
Bouncing Checks and Estafa in the Philippines: The Tongko Case Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court in People v. Tongko clarified when issuing bouncing checks constitutes estafa under Philippine law.
When Can a Judge Issue an Arrest Warrant in the Philippines: Probable Cause and Necessity
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when judges may issue arrest warrants during preliminary investigations, emphasizing the necessity requirement beyond probable cause.
Solidary Liability for Security Guard Wages: Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when companies are solidarily liable for security agency employees' wages, back pay, and separation pay.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Obligations
Learn how Philippine law defines illegal dismissal, abandonment, and the rights of piece-rate workers to security of tenure and back wages.
Finality of Judgments: Why Ignoring Your Case Can Cost You Your Property in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling shows how failing to pursue a case can lead to losing property forever through finality and res judicata.
Res Judicata in the Philippines: When a Prior Dismissal Does Not Bar a New Case
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a dismissal for failure to prosecute is not res judicata and does not bar a refiled case.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Are Corporate Officers Personally Liable in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be personally liable and the limits of SEC jurisdiction over suspension of payments.
Forced Retirement in the Philippines: Employee Rights and Employer Policies
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on forced retirement, optional retirement age, and illegal dismissal in labor cases.
Don't Get Trapped by Your Signature: How Estoppel Affects Home Construction Loans in the Philippines
A homeowner signed loan release documents, then tried to disown them. The Supreme Court applied estoppel—here's what that means for borrowers.
Illegal Recruitment in the Philippines: Supreme Court Case Analysis and Prevention Tips
Learn how the Supreme Court defines illegal recruitment in large scale, the penalties under the Labor Code, and practical tips to avoid recruitment scams.
Judicial Ethics in the Philippines: Impartiality, Evidence, and the Presumption of Innocence
A look at how the Supreme Court upholds judicial ethics by demanding impartiality and rigorous evidence review in criminal cases.
Failure to File Corporate By-Laws: Not Automatic Dissolution in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that failing to file corporate by-laws on time does not automatically dissolve a corporation.
Tenant Rights VS Foreclosure Protecting Agricultural Lessees IN THE Philippines
Learn how Philippine law protects agricultural lessees from eviction after foreclosure, and what tenants must prove to keep their land.
Reservation of Rights in Quasi-Delict Cases: Protecting Your Civil Claim in the Philippines
Learn when you must reserve your right to file an independent civil action for quasi-delict under Article 2176 of the Civil Code.
Are Commissions Part of Minimum Wage in the Philippines? Employee Compensation Rights Explained
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies whether sales commissions count toward minimum wage compliance under the Labor Code, and explains due process rules for dismissal.
Protecting Loan Security: How Mortgagees Can Secure Insurance Claims in the Philippines
Learn how mortgagees can secure insurance proceeds under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. v. Goyu & Sons.
Proving Marriage and Filiation in the Philippines When Documents Are Missing
How Philippine courts allow proof of marriage and filiation through witnesses, baptismal certificates, and other evidence when official records are lost.