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.
Navigating Employee Dismissal: Just Cause and Procedural Due Process in the Philippines
Learn the two-part test for lawful dismissal in the Philippines—substantive just cause and procedural due process—from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
COA Primary Jurisdiction Over Disallowances: Insights From a 2020 Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court reaffirms COA's primary jurisdiction over audit disallowances and bars trial courts from reviewing final Notices of Disallowance.
Lascivious Conduct and Attempted Homicide: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court distinguishes lascivious conduct from attempted homicide, and why the prosecution's evidence must prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Abuse of Rights in Philippine Law: A Case Study on Mortgage and Property Transactions
The Supreme Court clarifies the abuse of rights principle under Article 19, showing when a bank employee's blunt remarks do not amount to bad faith.
Proving Legitimate Filiation: Key to Winning Philippine Inheritance Claims
Learn how the Supreme Court's ruling in Bernardo v. Fernando clarifies what evidence proves legitimate filiation for inheritance claims.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Case
A Philippine lawyer's suspension highlights the rules on just compensation, finality of judgments, and the limits of DARAB authority.
Understanding Disturbance Compensation in Land Conversion: Insights from a Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on disturbance compensation claims in land conversion, including prescription periods and evidentiary requirements.
Prosecutorial Authority and Criminal Jurisdiction: The Villa Gomez Doctrine
The Supreme Court clarifies when a prosecutor's lack of authority to file an Information affects a trial court's jurisdiction over a criminal case.
Understanding Double Jeopardy When an Acquittal Can Be Challenged in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains when an acquittal is final and when it can be challenged, using a child abuse case as an example.
Lease Renewal vs Extension: Supreme Court Clarifies the Critical Distinction
The Supreme Court clarifies the crucial difference between lease renewal and extension in a dispute over a government property lease.
Contract Renewal vs. Extension: Key Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
The Supreme Court clarifies the critical legal difference between renewing and extending a lease, and why precise contract language matters.
Understanding Conspiracy and Treachery in Philippine Murder and Robbery Cases
The Supreme Court explains how conspiracy and treachery work in murder and robbery cases, and what must be alleged in the Information.
Lateral Transfers and Security of Tenure in Philippine Civil Service
When a government employee's lateral transfer appointment is disapproved, does the employee automatically revert to a former position? The Supreme Court clarifies.
Navigating Tax Law Conflicts: Understanding the Jurisdictional Limits of Courts in Tax Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries of judicial review in tax cases, emphasizing that courts cannot substitute their judgment for that of tax authorities.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Prescription in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn how prescription periods affect mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Active Wood Products v. State Investment House.
When Corporate Veil Piercing Fails: Renewal Commissions After Agent Termination
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a terminated insurance agent can claim commissions and when the alter ego doctrine applies to affiliated companies.
Discovery in Criminal Cases: Why Requests for Admission Do Not Apply
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling that requests for admission under Rule 26 apply only to civil cases, not criminal proceedings.
Proving Foreign Divorce in the Philippines: The Authentication Requirement
Philippine courts require strict authentication of foreign divorce decrees and the alien spouse's national law before a Filipino can remarry.
Prescription Period for Oral Contracts: What Creditors and Debtors Must Know
The Supreme Court clarifies the six-year prescription period for oral contracts and why timely action is critical for creditors and debtors.
Mortgage Sales and Interest Claims: Lessons from DBP v. Heirs of Danico
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of mortgaged property become liable for interest and how mortgage obligations are enforced.
Storage Fee Disputes: Key Lessons From a Landmark Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when storage fees are collectible and how interest applies, offering key lessons for businesses and clients.
Procedural Pitfalls in Labor Disputes: Lessons from Mariano v. G.V. Florida Transport
A Supreme Court ruling on valid dismissal for serious misconduct but liability for procedural due process lapses, unpaid wages, and 13th month pay.
Lawyer-Client Duties and Ethical Boundaries: Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
A lawyer who abandons a client's cause, hides legal heirs, and uses confidential documents faces suspension. Learn the ethical rules.
Lawyer-Client Relationship and Professional Ethics: Lessons from Zamora v. Gallanosa
When does a lawyer-client relationship begin, and what happens when a lawyer abandons a case? The Supreme Court clarifies in Zamora v. Gallanosa.