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.
Termination Disputes and Choice of Law: Protecting Philippine Labor Rights in Cross-Border Employment
Philippine labor tribunals can hear termination disputes involving foreign employers; Philippine law applies when the worker's duties are performed here.
Security of Tenure vs Management Prerogative: Balancing Rights in Security Agency Employment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the balance between security of tenure and management prerogative in security agency employment.
Failure to Prosecute and Counterclaims: Lessons from Roasters Philippines v. Gaviola
When can a case be dismissed for failure to prosecute, and what happens to counterclaims? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules.
Dismissal of Case: Navigating Forum Shopping and Indispensable Parties in Property Disputes
What happens when two property cases are filed separately? The Supreme Court clarifies forum shopping, consolidation, and indispensable parties.
When the COMELEC Cannot Decide: The Legal Effect of a Split Vote
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling on what happens when the COMELEC en banc fails to muster a majority vote in election cases.
Executive Judge’s Power to Act on Defective Judicial Inhibition Orders
SC clarifies that an executive judge may return a defective voluntary inhibition order to the judge, without usurping the Supreme Court’s sole power to reverse it.
Bail and Illness: Balancing Liberty and Justice in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court ruled that bail may be granted for humanitarian reasons, especially when an accused's health is fragile, even in non-bailable offenses.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.
Loss of Trust and Due Process: Philippine Standards for Employee Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the standards for loss of trust and due process in employee dismissal cases under the Labor Code.
Perfected Contract of Sale When a Preliminary Agreement Becomes Binding
When does a preliminary agreement become a perfected contract of sale? The Supreme Court explains in this Philippine banking liquidation case.
Perfecting Appeals and the Strict Rules on Judicial Reconstitution of Torrens Titles
The Supreme Court reminds courts that petitions for judicial reconstitution of lost Torrens titles demand strict compliance with RA 26.
Overcoming Finality When Courts CAN Correct Void Judgments
When can a final judgment be recalled? This case explains the exceptions to the immutability rule.
Strict Compliance Required for Serving Summons on Domestic Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on domestic corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11, or the court lacks jurisdiction.
Acceptance Fee vs Attorney's Fee: What Clients Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the difference between acceptance fee and attorney's fee in legal representation, and when a lawyer must return payments.
Writ of Possession, Third-Party Claims, and Redemption Rights in Property Disputes
A writ of possession cannot evict third parties holding property adversely to the judgment obligor. Explaining Sio Tiat King v. Lim.
Lawyer's Neglect of Appeal Brief: When Courts Dismiss Disbarment Cases
A lawyer who lets an appeal lapse violates the Code of Professional Responsibility, but death of the respondent can end the case.
Corporate Responsibility Enforcing Contracts Despite Technicalities
Supreme Court clarifies corporate rehabilitation rules, HLURB receiver requests, and 180-day plan approval periods in Lexber v. Dalman.
Real Party in Interest and Property Disputes: Standing to Sue Explained
Learn how Philippine courts determine who may sue in property cases, with insights from Lexber v. Dalman on standing and rehabilitation.
Notarial Misconduct: Scope of Authority and Ethical Obligations of Lawyers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lawyers' ethical duties in notarial practice and the scope of their authority in Davao Import Distributors v. Atty. Landero.
Lawyer Suspended for Non-Payment of Debt: Ethical Standards for Attorneys
A lawyer's deliberate failure to pay a just debt constitutes gross misconduct warranting suspension from the practice of law under Rule 1.01.
Practicing Law While Suspended: Consequences and Ethical Considerations
A suspended lawyer who appears as counsel for her husband still practices law. The Supreme Court explains the consequences and ethical duties.
Quieting of Title: Courts Cannot Consider Outside Evidence in Determining Cause of Action
The Supreme Court clarifies that in resolving a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action, courts must look only at the complaint's allegations.
Writ of Possession for Subsequent Purchasers After Foreclosure: Key Rules
Learn when a subsequent buyer of foreclosed property can obtain a writ of possession and the procedural requirements under Philippine law.
When Sexual Harassment Claims Against Judges Fail: The Substantial Evidence Standard
The Supreme Court exonerated a judge accused of sexual harassment, clarifying the substantial evidence standard in administrative cases against members of the judiciary.