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.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Foundation of Illegal Dismissal Liability
Why labor tribunals must establish employer-employee relationship before ruling on illegal dismissal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Voiding Contracts With Indigenous Peoples Prior Approval IS Mandatory
Supreme Court clarifies that contracts with indigenous peoples require prior government approval or they are void, protecting ancestral lands.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
Voluntary Resignation vs Illegal Dismissal: Protecting Seafarer Rights in Philippine Labor Law
When is a seafarer's sign-off voluntary resignation or illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on termination and due process.
Finality of Judgments: Late Docket Fee Payment Dooms Appeal in Meatmasters Case
Learn how late payment of appellate docket fees affects judgment finality, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Meatmasters v. Lelis.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Tenancy Rights vs Land Reclassification: Lessons from Esparagera v. J.Y. Realty
A quitclaim can end tenancy claims even if land classification is disputed. Learn the rules from this Philippine Supreme Court case.
Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies: A Prerequisite Before Court Action
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why exhaustion of administrative remedies and motion for reconsideration are mandatory before judicial recourse.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
When a Recommender Is Not Liable: Civil Liability After an Acquittal in Estafa
Explaining when a person who recommends an investment can be held civilly liable after an acquittal in an estafa case.
Supreme Court Clears Judge of Delay in Injunction Case: Lessons on TRO Rules and Judicial Ethics
Supreme Court dismisses administrative complaint against Judge Lerma, clarifying TRO hearing timelines and standards for judicial liability in injunction cases.
Conspiracy and Overt Acts in Bouncing Check Cases: Ladonga v. People
When can a non-signatory spouse be liable for bouncing checks? The Supreme Court clarifies conspiracy rules under B.P. 22.
Accountability in Public Office: Good Faith Is Not a Free Pass in Malversation Cases
A look at Melchor v. Gironella on administrative liability, good faith, and the burden of proof in public office.
When Can You Appeal a Denied Motion to Quash? The Basa Case Explained
Learn from Basa v. People when a denied motion to quash is appealable, and why interlocutory orders cannot be appealed prematurely.
Void Marriages and Property Rights: Ownership in Cohabitation After Bigamous Marriage
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property ownership when a marriage is void due to bigamy. Learn the rules on co-ownership and creditor claims.
When Local Councils Overstep: Cable TV Franchises and the Limits of LGU Power
A look at Zoomzat v. People, where the Supreme Court ruled that local governments cannot grant cable TV franchises—that power belongs to the NTC.
VAT Refund Eligibility for PEZA-Registered Enterprises: Key Lessons from Seagate
The Supreme Court clarifies when PEZA-registered enterprises can claim VAT refunds on capital goods, distinguishing exempt entities from exempt transactions.
Good Faith Payments and Prior Satisfaction as Grounds for Acquittal in BP 22 Cases
Supreme Court acquits corporate officer in BP 22 case where the dishonored check was fully paid two years before charges were filed.
Equitable Mortgage vs Pacto de Retro Sale: Property Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains the difference between equitable mortgage and pacto de retro sale, and why mortgagees cannot simply consolidate ownership.