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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Seafarer Claims After Illegal Dismissal: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies what benefits illegally dismissed seafarers can claim, and the strict rules on overtime pay and medical reimbursement.
Illegal Dismissal and Contractual Rights for Seafarers: Key Lessons from Loadstar v. Erispe
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarers' rights on illegal dismissal, vacation leave, overtime pay, and medical expense claims under the POEA-SEC.
Seafarer Rights in Maritime Employment: Illegal Dismissal and Prescription Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies seafarer illegal dismissal claims, prescription periods, and termination pay under POEA-SEC in Gallego v. Wallem Maritime.
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.
Understanding Abuse of Superior Strength in Murder Convictions: Insights from Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies abuse of superior strength as a qualifying circumstance in murder, explaining how numbers and frailty establish it.
Separation Pay Tax Exemption: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified that separation pay from redundancy is tax-exempt, even when computed using a retirement plan formula.
Witness Credibility in Rape Cases: Lessons from the Philippine Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies how courts should assess a rape victim's credibility, rejecting gender stereotypes while affirming that conviction can rest on credible testimony alone.
Judicial Misconduct: The Consequences of Receiving Benefits During Suspension
Learn how a judge's receipt of allowances during suspension led to a dishonesty finding and fine in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Property Ownership Disputes Among Heirs: When a Void Deed Ends an Ejectment Case
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how a final judgment nullifying a deed of sale affects an ongoing unlawful detainer case between parties.
Judicial Conduct and Mediation: When a Judge's Zeal to Settle Crosses the Line
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on a judge's overzealous mediation efforts, ex parte meetings, and delay in settling a probate case.
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.
Implied Lease Renewals and Right of First Refusal: What Tenants Should Know
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that implied lease renewals do not revive a tenant's right of first refusal unless expressly agreed.
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.
Ensuring Integrity in Drug Busts: The Critical Role of Chain of Custody in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court acquits drug suspect over broken chain of custody—what Section 21 requires and why witness presence matters.
Chain of Custody in Drug Cases: Why Witnesses and Marking Matter
Philippine Supreme Court explains the chain of custody rule in drug cases and why proper marking, inventory, and witnesses are essential.
Substantial Compliance in Verification: When Procedural Lapses Still Cost the Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that substantial compliance with verification rules cannot excuse a belatedly filed motion for reconsideration in civil cases.
Tenant Rights and Land Ownership: When Invalid Tenancy Agreements Fail in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when tenancy agreements with non-owners fail, and why security of tenure requires a valid landowner-tenant relationship.
Understanding Good Faith IN Property Purchases Lessons From A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Breach of Contract: Enforceability of Employment Contracts Absent Actual Deployment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether a perfected employment contract binds parties even without actual deployment, and which court has jurisdiction over breach claims.
Holder in Due Course Rights Prevail Over Stop Payment Orders
Philippine Supreme Court rules a holder in due course can enforce bank drafts despite stop payment orders, explaining drawer liability under the Negotiable Instruments Law.
Liability for Dishonored Bank Drafts: Holder in Due Course vs Drawer's Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies a bank drawer's liability on dishonored bank drafts, even after a stop payment order, when held by a holder in due course.
Understanding Tax Exemptions for Condominium Dues and Fees: A Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies when condominium association dues are taxable, resolving the validity of BIR RMC No. 65-2012.
Understanding Rape and Lascivious Conduct: Insights from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies rape, sexual assault, and lascivious conduct distinctions, penalties, and victim testimony standards.