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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LOLANE vs ORLANE: When Trademark Similarity Does Not Mean Confusion
The Supreme Court explains when two trademarks are too similar, and when they are not, in this Philippine trademark case.
Beyond Words: The Limits of Free Speech in Workplace Dismissal Cases
When does an employee's insulting remark justify dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the line between serious misconduct and a momentary lapse.
Judicial Accountability: Defining the Boundaries of Gross Ignorance of the Law
When does a judge's legal error become gross ignorance of the law? The Supreme Court clarifies the standard in Ortega v. Judge Dacara.
Moral Ascendancy as Force in Parental Rape: Erosion of Trust in People v. Mayola
Father convicted of qualified rape: moral ascendancy substitutes for force, delay in reporting does not negate the crime.
Equitable Mortgage Protecting Vulnerable Parties IN Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contract breach warrants damages, and when it does not, in a property dispute.
Breach of Contract Alone Does Not Justify Compensatory Damages: Pryce Properties v. Octobre
The Supreme Court clarifies when breach of contract warrants compensatory damages versus nominal damages, and when attorney's fees may be recovered.
Baguio Land Titles Validation Denied for Expanded Areas Despite Prior Resurvey Approval
Supreme Court rules resurvey approval doesn't validate expanded Baguio land titles under PD 1271, requiring strict compliance.
Fiscal Autonomy vs COA Oversight: Striking the Balance in PHIC
The Supreme Court clarifies that PHIC's fiscal autonomy does not exempt it from COA oversight and compensation standards.
Abandonment Alone Insufficient Psychological Incapacity IN Philippine marriage LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that abandonment alone does not prove psychological incapacity under Article 36 of the Family Code.
Project Employees: When Length of Service Does Not Mean Regular Employment
Supreme Court clarifies that project employees may be validly terminated upon project completion, even after years of continuous service.
Residency Requirements vs. Constitutional Rights: The Dano Case on Domicile and Elections
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that temporary absence does not break residency for election purposes, protecting candidates' constitutional rights.
Conditional Employment Offers and When No Employer-Employee Relationship Exists
The Supreme Court clarifies when a conditional job offer, subject to background checks, does not create an employer-employee relationship.
Eminent Domain and Execution Pending Appeal: Safeguarding Government Funds
Supreme Court rules discretionary execution pending appeal does not apply to eminent domain proceedings, protecting government funds from garnishment.
SALN Misdeclaration and the Good Faith Defense in Administrative Cases
When does a flawed SALN become dishonesty? The Supreme Court clarifies the good faith defense for public officials.
Novation Requires Clear Release of Original Debtor: Lessons from Ever Electrical v. PBCOM
When does a new debtor's assumption of a loan release the original borrower? The Supreme Court explains novation rules.
Corporate Liability When a School President's Actions Bind the Institution
When does a school president's act bind the corporation? The Supreme Court explains apparent authority and corporate liability in Georg v. Holy Trinity College.
Just Cause vs. Due Process: When a Valid Dismissal Still Costs the Employer
A valid dismissal for just cause does not erase the employer's duty to observe procedural due process. The Supreme Court explains the two-notice rule and nominal damages.
Ombudsmans Discretion When Does Refusal TO Prosecute Amount TO Grave Abuse
Upholding Drug Conviction Despite Procedural Lapses: Chain of Custody and Section 21 Compliance
The Supreme Court affirms a drug conviction despite Section 21 lapses, explaining when procedural non-compliance does not affect guilt.
Demand Is Key: Prescription in Unlawful Detainer and Mortgage Foreclosure Contexts
When does the one-year period to file unlawful detainer start? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule on demand and prescription.
Reckoning the Two-Year Prescriptive Period for DST Refund Claims: PBCom v. CIR
When does the two-year prescriptive period for a documentary stamp tax refund claim begin for metering machine users? The Supreme Court settles the rule.
Child Abuse vs Slight Physical Injuries: The Intent Requirement in Philippine Law
When does a slap on a child become child abuse under RA 7610, and when is it only slight physical injuries? The Supreme Court clarifies the role of intent.
Res Judicata in Agrarian Disputes: Identity of Parties and Causes of Action
When does a DARAB ruling bar a court case? The Supreme Court clarifies the requisites of res judicata, especially identity of parties and causes of action.
When Selling Another’s Property Is Not Estafa: The Ison Case
The Supreme Court explains when a false claim of ownership does not amount to estafa, and why the prosecution must prove deceit beyond reasonable doubt.