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.
Understanding Corporate Liability and Piercing the Corporate Veil in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court case explains when corporate officers can be held personally liable and when courts pierce the corporate veil.
Understanding Prescription Periods in Property Disputes: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
Learn how prescription periods work in property disputes through the Supreme Court's ruling in Selerio v. Bancasan on interrupted timeframes and written contracts.
Construction Arbitration in the Philippines: Finality of CIAC Awards and Judicial Review Limits
Philippine courts defer to CIAC arbitral findings absent fraud or corruption. Learn the limits of judicial review in construction disputes.
When a Surety Bond Must Be Honored: Cellpage v. Solid Guaranty Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when a surety is liable despite no written principal contract, and how bank errors affect obligations.
Perjury and Bouncing Checks in the Philippines: What Saulo v. People Teaches
Understand perjury and BP 22 bouncing check liability through the Supreme Court's ruling in Saulo v. People.
Direct Bribery in the Philippines: Key Lessons from Mangulabnan v. People
Direct bribery explained through a landmark Supreme Court case: elements of the crime, evidentiary standards, and practical lessons for public officers.
Investment vs Loan: When a "Pay on Demand" Promise Binds the Investor
The Supreme Court clarifies when an investment becomes a recoverable obligation, and how the parties' own acts define their contract.
Understanding Demurrers to Evidence: When Can You Challenge the Prosecution's Case
A demurrer to evidence lets an accused challenge the prosecution's case. But denial cannot be attacked via certiorari, as Espinosa v. Sandiganbayan shows.
Tax-Free Share Swaps in the Philippines: The Co Ruling and CGT Exemptions
The Supreme Court's Co ruling clarifies when share swaps are tax-free under (C)(2) of the NIRC, saving businesses millions.
Understanding Constructive Dismissal and Management Prerogatives in Philippine Employment Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's cause of action for illegal dismissal accrues, and the limits of management prerogative in terminating overseas employment contracts.
Understanding Lawyer Disbarment: Deceit and Disrespect to Legal Processes in the Philippines
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains how issuing worthless checks and evading legal proceedings can lead to a three-year suspension from law practice.
Can Private Individuals Be Charged With Corruption Under Philippine Law? The Canlas Case Explains
The Supreme Court clarifies that private individuals acting in conspiracy with public officers may be indicted for graft under Section 3(e) of RA 3019.
Navigating the Thin Line Between Ecclesiastical and Secular Affairs: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supre
When does a church dispute become a labor case? The Supreme Court clarifies the boundary between ecclesiastical affairs and secular employment.
Understanding Jurisdiction in Injunction Cases: A Guide for Property Owners and Legal Practitioners
Learn how the Supreme Court resolved a tax dispute between two LGUs, and what it means for property owners facing competing tax claims.
When an Implied Lease Renewal Does Not Revive a Right of First Refusal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why an implied lease renewal does not automatically revive a lessee's right of first refusal.
Brokers Entitlement Establishing Procuring Cause IN Real Estate Joint Ventures
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a real estate broker earns a commission in a joint venture deal, explained in plain language.
Real Estate Broker's Commission: Procuring Cause Prevails Even After Authority Expires
Philippine Supreme Court rules brokers earn commission as procuring cause even if authority expired before deal closed. Learn the rule.
Unlocking the Right to Minimum Salary Upon Regularization: A Landmark Decision for Philippine Workers
The Supreme Court rules that company policies on minimum salary rates become binding once an employee is regularized, protecting workers from underpayment.
Consent in Contracts: Supreme Court Voids Mortgage for Lack of Genuine Agreement
Supreme Court voids mortgage where a bank misled an elderly woman into signing a loan document she believed was a mere guarantee.
Balancing Justice and Procedure: When Technicalities Yield to Substantive Rights
A Supreme Court ruling on late filings, procedural rules, and the limits of substantial justice in Philippine litigation.
Prior Physical Possession in Forcible Entry: The Madayag Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession in forcible entry cases can be established through juridical acts, not just actual occupation.
Finality of Monetary Awards in Labor Cases: The Tan v. Dagpin Rule
Learn how the Supreme Court's Tan v. Dagpin ruling protects final labor judgments from recomputation after full payment.
Laches in Philippine Law: How Delay Can Bar Your Legal Claims
Learn how the doctrine of laches can bar legal claims in the Philippines, even before the prescriptive period expires, through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ang v. Abaldonado.
Demurrage and Detention Fees: Supreme Court Clarifies Tax Treatment for International Shipping
The Supreme Court ruled demurrage and detention fees are subject to regular corporate income tax, not the preferential Gross Philippine Billings rate.