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.
Certiorari Deadlines Strict Enforcement IN Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies medical malpractice prescription and strict procedural deadlines for certiorari petitions under Rule 45.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: Seafarer Contract Obligations
When a seafarer's resignation is voluntary, not constructive dismissal, and why lawful orders under the POEA Standard Contract matter.
Foreshore Occupancy Without Permit: Water Code Violation Upheld
The Supreme Court affirms that occupying foreshore land without a permit violates the Water Code, regardless of pending applications.
Revocation of Teacher’s License, Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies, and Due Process
The Supreme Court clarifies due process in administrative cases and the distinction between dishonesty and simple negligence in license revocation proceedings.
Simple Negligence vs Dishonesty: Upholding Public Trust in Government Service
A look at how the Supreme Court treats simple neglect of duty versus dishonesty, and why Ombudsman decisions in administrative cases must be executed promptly.
Contractor or Employer: Defining the Boundaries of Labor-Only Contracting in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is a legitimate job contractor rather than a labor-only contractor, and who is the true employer.
Lawyer Accountability: Why Financial Management and Client Service Matter in Court
A Supreme Court ruling on misappropriated court funds shows why lawyers and court personnel must uphold strict financial management and client service standards.
Lawyer Disbarred for Misconduct in Property Transactions: Lessons from BASECO Case
Supreme Court disbars lawyer for failing to account for client funds and neglecting property titling work, highlighting ethical duties in Philippine property law practice.
Agrarian Dispute vs Ejectment: Who Has Jurisdiction Over Land Disputes in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when forcible entry cases over agricultural lands belong to the courts or the DARAB.
Solidary Liability and Interest Rates in Philippine Partnerships: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A look at a Supreme Court ruling on solidary liability, novation, and unconscionable interest rates in business loans and partnerships.
Upholding Contractual Obligations When Government Actions Lead TO Breached Agreements
Explore how the Supreme Court protects contractual rights when government actions cause breaches, and the legal remedies available to affected parties.
Independent Contractor vs Employee: How Unique Skills Determine Employment Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when unique skills and talent make a worker an independent contractor, not an employee, in Philippine labor law.
Tortious Interference vs. Intra-Corporate Dispute: Jurisdiction in Corporate Conflicts
The Supreme Court clarifies when a corporate conflict is a civil tort case or an intra-corporate dispute, and which court has jurisdiction.
Tax Amnesty Scope: When Revenue Regulations Exceed Statutory Authority
Supreme Court ruling on tax amnesty, pending cases, and limits of implementing rules under RA 9480.
Res Judicata Bars Relitigation of Contract Validity in Loan Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when a dismissal order bars a second lawsuit on the same loan contract under res judicata.
Boundary Disputes in the Philippines: Resolving Territorial Conflicts Between LGUs
The Supreme Court settles the Makati-Taguig territorial dispute, explaining how boundary conflicts between local governments are resolved.
SK Official Removal: Who Has the Power to Oust Youth Leaders
The Supreme Court clarifies which bodies can remove SK Federation Presidents and SK Chairpersons, and the due process required.
When Can the State Reclaim Private Land? The Rule on Reversion Proceedings
The Supreme Court clarifies the heavy burden the State must overcome to revert titled private land to public domain.
Proving Cargo Damage Claims: Evidence Rules and Res Ipsa Loquitur
The Supreme Court clarifies the evidence needed to prove cargo damage claims and when res ipsa loquitur applies.
Illegal Dismissal vs. Voluntary Resignation: Proving Your Case in the Philippines
When is a resignation not voluntary? Learn how Philippine courts distinguish illegal dismissal from resignation and who bears the burden of proof.
When Love Turns Abusive: Disbarment for Lawyer's Violence Against Partner and Children
A lawyer was disbarred for physically abusing his partner and her children. Learn the rules on lawyer discipline and violence against women.
Ancestral Domain Disputes Between Same Indigenous Community: NCIP Jurisdiction Explained
When both parties belong to the same indigenous cultural community, the NCIP—not regular courts—has jurisdiction over ancestral domain disputes.
Reconveyance of Land: Protecting Property Rights From Fraudulent Titles in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect landowners from government taking without just compensation, and the rules on reconveyance of fraudulently titled property.
Product Imperfection Liability: How Consumers Can Demand Replacement Under the Consumer Act
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when defective products must be replaced under the Consumer Act and who bears liability.