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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Unregistered Donation vs Registered Title: Resolving Property Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether an unregistered deed of donation can defeat the rights of heirs of a registered property owner.
When Two Regular Holidays Fall on the Same Day: Workers Still Get Double Holiday Pay
Philippine Supreme Court rules workers paid 200% holiday pay when two regular holidays fall on the same day, citing Labor Code Article 94.
Reasonable Doubt and Physical Evidence: When Witness Testimony Prevails in Murder Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how credible witness testimony outweighs an accused's claim of accident, and when treachery fails as a qualifying circumstance.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Parent Company Be Held Liable for a Subsidiary's Labor Violations
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when related corporations may be treated as one employer for labor liability, including separation pay and backwages.
Child Victim's Testimony and the Fine Line Between Consummated and Attempted Rape
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a child's testimony proves consummated rape versus attempted rape, and the penalties for each.
Business Losses vs Labor Rights: Separation Pay Eligibility in Company Closures
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when serious business losses exempt employers from paying separation pay under Article 283 of the Labor Code.
Setting Bail Judges Must Consider Offenders Finances
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bail discretion, judicial misconduct, and the duty of judges to resist pressure when setting bail.
Accidental Shooting Intent and Liability in Firearm Mishaps Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on robbery with homicide clarifies criminal liability when killings occur during heists, even if accidental.
Breach of Contract: When an Unperfected Sale Defines Liability in Property Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an unaccepted offer creates no contract, and how equity cannot override positive law.
Estate Sales Require Court Approval Protecting Heirs Rights In Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why estate property sales need court approval to protect heirs' rights.
Sheriff's Ministerial Duty in Property Levy: When Execution Is Not Misconduct
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a sheriff's ministerial duty in executing writs, ruling that levying property to satisfy money judgments is not misconduct.
Probate Court Limitations Property Title Disputes Require Separate Action
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies probate courts cannot nullify property titles; such disputes need a separate ordinary civil action.
Derivative Citizenship: How a Parent's Naturalization Can Grant Citizenship to Their Children
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a parent's naturalization confers derivative citizenship on minor children born in the Philippines.
Corporate Officer Liability: The Fine Line Between Duty and Illegal Recruitment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when corporate officers may be held liable for illegal recruitment committed by their company.
Bigamy and Psychological Incapacity: Subsequent Nullity Declarations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: a later declaration of psychological incapacity does not erase criminal liability for bigamy.
Mortgaged Chattels: Valid Seizure and Foreclosure Compliance in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on chattel mortgage seizure, foreclosure, and the limits of appellate review in Samala v. Court of Appeals.
Backwages Despite Just Cause Dismissal: When Procedure Matters in Labor Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on backwages for employees dismissed for just cause but denied due process, and the limits of certiorari.
Forum Shopping Litigants Cannot Simultaneously Pursue Identical Claims In Multiple Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the rule against forum shopping and the duty to implead indispensable parties in appeals.
Retroactive Application of Procedural Rules Ensuring Timely Appeals in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court explains when procedural rules apply retroactively, allowing a late certiorari petition to proceed.
Attorneys Fees Upholding A Lawyers Right TO Payment Despite Contract Termination
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attorney's fees, contract termination, and a lawyer's right to compensation for services rendered.
Illegal Recruitment in Large Scale: When a Recruiter's Agent Still Faces Criminal Liability
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a recruiter's agent can be liable for illegal recruitment in large scale despite a licensed agency's SPA.
Conspiracy in Robbery With Homicide: Liability Even Without Inflicting the Fatal Blow
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that conspirators in robbery with homicide are liable as principals even if they did not inflict the fatal wound.
Accountability Beyond Authority Illegal Recruitment Despite Agency Affiliation
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal recruitment liability for unregistered agency representatives, with practical compliance guidance.
Self-Defense and Intent to Kill: The Case of Conrado Casitas
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when self-defense fails and intent to kill is shown by the number and location of wounds inflicted.