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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Surety Bonds and Indemnity: Why Renewal Disputes Don't Erase Contractual Liability
Philippine Supreme Court rules that a deed of indemnity authorizing bond renewals binds signatories even without separate consent to each renewal.
Ancestral Domain vs Resettlement: Calauit Island Land Rights Resolved
Supreme Court rules CADT issuance renders Calauit settlers' eviction case moot, recognizing Tagbanua ancestral domain rights.
Corporate Control Belongs to the Board, Not External Agreements
Supreme Court rules the board of directors holds corporate control, voiding external agreements that bypass it.
Corporate Governance Upholding By-Laws in Director Removal Disputes
Supreme Court rules on invalid director removal, by-law compliance, and ratification limits in corporate governance disputes.
Amending Pleadings Balancing Justice AND Procedural Rules IN Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court rules on when courts may allow amendments to pleadings, balancing procedural rules against the interests of justice.
Seafarers Disability Upholding Company Doctors Assessment Absent Third Opinion
Philippine Supreme Court rules on seafarer disability claims, emphasizing company doctor assessments prevail absent third-doctor review under CBA.
Public Bidding vs Direct Contracting: Supreme Court on COMELEC's PCOS Procurement
Supreme Court rules COMELEC gravely abused discretion in direct contracting with Smartmatic for PCOS repair, reaffirming public bidding as general rule.
Torrens Title Imprescriptibility and Recovery of Possession: Supapo v. De Jesus
Supreme Court rules Torrens title holders can recover possession anytime; registered land cannot be acquired by prescription or adverse possession.
Retroactivity of Laws Protecting Vested Retirement Benefits of Military Personnel
Supreme Court rules PD 1638 cannot retroactively strip vested retirement benefits of military retirees under RA 340.
Tobacco Sales Promotions: Who Regulates Them After RA 9211?
The Supreme Court rules that the IAC-Tobacco, not the DOH, has exclusive authority to regulate tobacco sales promotions under RA 9211.
Grave Abuse of Discretion When Courts Fail to Justify Denial of Preliminary Injunction
The Supreme Court rules that a court commits grave abuse of discretion when it denies a preliminary injunction without stating its factual and legal bases.
Upholding Employers Right TO Discipline Dishonesty AS Just Cause FOR Termination
Supreme Court rules that a nurse’s theft of hospital supplies is just cause for dismissal, reaffirming management prerogative to discipline dishonest employees.
Upholding Employee Rights Minor Infractions Dont Justify Dismissal
Philippine Supreme Court rules minor infractions like eating on duty or occasional tardiness do not justify employee dismissal.
Seafarers Disability Benefits: Employer Must Pay Full Benefits Despite Initial Assessment
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarers entitled to full disability benefits when treatment exceeds 240 days, even with a lower disability rating.
Omnibus Motion Rule Applies to Search Warrant Quashal: Shell v. Romars
Supreme Court rules the omnibus motion rule bars late objections to search warrants, clarifying venue is not jurisdictional.
Bank Deposit Secrecy in Insolvency: Creditors Cannot Waive a Debtor's Rights
Supreme Court rules creditors cannot waive an insolvent debtor's bank deposit secrecy rights without the debtor's written consent or receiver's conformity.
Bank Deposit Secrecy: Upholding Depositor Rights in Insolvency Proceedings
The Supreme Court rules that a corporation's bank deposits stay confidential in insolvency unless the depositor gives written consent to waive secrecy.
Public Dominion Property Cannot Be Levied on Execution: Water District Wins
Supreme Court rules water works systems are public dominion property, exempt from execution and auction sale in labor cases.
Public Use Prevails: Water System Properties Cannot Be Seized for Private Debts
Supreme Court rules water works systems devoted to public use are property of public dominion, exempt from levy and auction sale.
Foreclosure Sales Strict Compliance With Publication Requirements
Philippine Supreme Court rules that failure to strictly comply with publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales invalidates the sale and makes the notary public liable for damages.
Tax Collection: Government's Right to Collect Taxes Limited by Prescription
Supreme Court rules BIR's right to collect assessed taxes prescribes in three years; inaction bars collection.
Tax Refund Claims: Proving Excess Creditable Withholding Tax Without Quarterly ITRs
Supreme Court rules quarterly ITRs of succeeding year are not indispensable in proving excess creditable withholding tax refund claims.
Venue Stipulations and Contract Validity: When a Forgery Claim Overrides an Exclusive Venue Clause
The Supreme Court rules that a complaint assailing a contract's validity—like forgery—is not bound by its exclusive venue stipulation.
Vested Mining Rights Prevail Protecting Claims Under THE Philippine Bill OF 1902
The Supreme Court rules that mining patents issued under the Philippine Bill of 1902 are vested rights that cannot be impaired by later laws or agreements.