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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Contract of Sale vs Contract to Sell: Clarifying Obligations in Property Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies distinctions between contract of sale and contract to sell, and their impact on property rights and obligations.
Accidental Harm vs Self-Defense: When Can You Claim Innocence in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when accident or self-defense excuses criminal liability, and why switching defenses on appeal fails.
Taxpayers Beware: Exhaust Administrative Remedies Before Appealing Property Tax Disputes to Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that property tax disputes must first go through administrative remedies before courts can intervene.
Carrier's Improper Stowage Overrides Fortuitous Event Defense in Cargo Loss Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability when improper stowage, not weather, causes cargo loss at sea.
Contract Termination in Construction: When Express Terms and Damages Control
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling upholds a contractor's right to terminate a sub-contract for delay and poor workmanship, and explains when damages may be awarded.
Perfected Sale vs Mortgage: When a Seller's Breach Doesn't Void a Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seller's breach doesn't void a perfected sale, distinguishing sale from mortgage.
When Retired Judges Decide Cases: Why Those Rulings Are Void
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that decisions rendered or promulgated after a judge's retirement are null and void, with administrative liability.
Upholding Employee Rights When Supervisor Instructions Shield Against Dismissal for Disobedience
Philippine Supreme Court rules an employee following supervisor orders in good faith cannot be dismissed for willful disobedience.
Illegal Recruitment Testimonial Evidence Trumps Lack OF Receipts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment cases where testimonial evidence outweighs the absence of receipts or documentary proof.
Copyright Search Warrants: Balancing IP Rights and Constitutional Safeguards
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on probable cause and specificity in copyright infringement search warrants against software piracy.
Judicial Accountability: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time and the Cost of Delay
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on judges' duty to decide cases within 90 days, and the administrative penalty for unjustified delay.
Disputes in Land Ownership: The Indispensable Parties in Property Cases
Learn when co-owners and the State must be impleaded in property disputes, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Death Compensation for Seafarers: Proving Work-Relatedness of Illness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a seafarer's death is compensable, and the evidence needed to prove work-related illness.
Project vs Regular Employment: Security of Tenure in Construction Projects
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers are project employees and how valid termination works under labor law.
Tenancy vs Tolerance: Who Has Jurisdiction in Land Disputes?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a land dispute is an agrarian case for DARAB or an ejectment case for regular courts.
Void Donations: Absence of Public Instrument Nullifies Property Transfer Despite Intent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void oral donations of immovable property and the formal requirements under Article 749 of the Civil Code.
Negligence in Highway Collisions: Bus Operator, Truck Owner, and Insurer Liabilities
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on negligence in a bus-truck collision, covering common carrier liability, truck owner responsibility, and insurer obligations.
Tax Exemptions for Export Zones: Balancing Investment Incentives and Revenue Collection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax exemptions for export zone enterprises under PD 66, clarifying refund rights for customs duties on supplies.
Reconstitution of Title: Proving Ownership and Loss Under RA 26
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on what evidence is required to reconstitute a lost or destroyed certificate of title under Republic Act No. 26.
Habitual Tardiness in Public Service: Defining the Boundaries of Excusable Lateness
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that health and traffic issues do not excuse habitual tardiness in government service.
Limits to Property Rights: Balancing Bank Security and Depositor Access
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a bank may bar a dismissed employee-depositor from its premises without abusing property rights.
Security of Tenure When School Policies Lead to Illegal Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on constructive dismissal of a permanent teacher due to discriminatory school policies and security of tenure violations.
Seafarer Re-Employment Bonus: Proving Vessel Classification for Incentive Claims
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on seafarer re-employment bonus claims, burden of proof for vessel classification, and contractual status of seafarers.
Procedural Deadlines Matter: Why Second Extension Motions Can Sink Your Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why a second motion for extension to file an appeal can be fatal, and what litigants must know about Rule 42 deadlines.