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.
Fraudulent Land Acquisition Titles Obtained Through Deceit Lack Indefeasibility
Land titles obtained through fraud are void and do not gain indefeasibility. Philippine law protects true owners from deceitful schemes.
Moral Conduct in the Judiciary: Defining Immorality and Due Process for Court Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when giving birth out of wedlock is immoral conduct for court employees and protects due process rights.
Protecting Consumers: Illegal Disconnection and Utility Company Liability
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's liability for illegal disconnection without notice, and the limits of differential billing claims.
Writ of Possession as Ministerial Duty: Rayo v. Metrobank on Due Process Limits
The Supreme Court affirms that a writ of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure is a ministerial duty, even if issued ex parte. Learn the limits of due process claims.
When a Manager's Discretion Becomes Willful Disobedience in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine jurisprudence on insubordination: when a manager's refusal to follow company policy crosses the line into willful disobedience justifying termination.
Strikes and Employee Rights: Understanding the Limits of Union Activities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on illegal dismissal, union busting, corporate veil piercing, and quitclaims in labor disputes.
Duterte v. Kingswood: Burden of Proof in Disease-Based Dismissals
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that employers, not employees, must secure a health authority certification to validly terminate on disease grounds.
Election Offenses and Court Jurisdiction: Defining the Boundaries of Legal Authority
The Supreme Court clarifies which courts have jurisdiction over election offenses under the Omnibus Election Code.
Possession vs Ownership: Resolving Land Disputes in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land disputes, possession, accretion, and Torrens title conclusiveness explained in plain language.
Jurisdictional Boundaries Resolving Ownership Issues In Forcible Entry Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTCs retain jurisdiction over forcible entry cases even when ownership issues arise, resolving only for possession.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration in Real Estate Contract Disputes: Frabelle Fishing Case
When do courts, not HLURB, hear real estate contract disputes? The Frabelle Fishing case explains jurisdiction and arbitration rules.
Navigating Corporate Disputes: The Boundaries of Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when two corporate cases are not forum shopping or litis pendentia, using the Taningco dispute as a guide.
Upholding Employer Authority: Willful Disobedience and Seafarer Dismissal in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on willful disobedience as valid cause for seafarer dismissal, with due process indemnity explained.
Contempt of Court and Lawyer Accountability: The Roxas Case
A lawyer's intemperate letter to a Supreme Court Justice led to a P30,000 fine for indirect contempt and a reminder of professional ethics.
Finality of Judgments: When Persistence Becomes Contempt of Court
A lawyer's relentless attacks on a final Supreme Court ruling led to indirect contempt. Learn the limits of fair criticism.
The Limits of Judicial Discretion: Safeguarding Due Process in Administrative Proceedings
When can a court issue a TRO in administrative cases? The Supreme Court clarifies the strict rules on temporary restraining orders and judicial discretion.
Navigating Libel, Good Faith, and Fair Comment in Philippine Law
The Supreme Court explains when good faith and fair comment can defeat a libel charge, using a policyholder's published notice as the case study.
Self-Defense and Unlawful Aggression: Burden of Proof in Philippine Homicide Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on self-defense, unlawful aggression, and the accused's burden of proof in homicide cases.
Unlawful Detainer Cases: Jurisdiction, Demand Requirements, and the Perils of Procedural Lapses
Understand the Laraño v. Calendacion ruling on unlawful detainer jurisdiction, demand requirements, and why procedural compliance matters in ejectment cases.
Rice Subsidy and Health Allowance Limits on University Fiscal Autonomy in the Philippines
Supreme Court ruling on Benguet State University's rice subsidy and health allowance, clarifying limits of fiscal autonomy under RA 8292.
Bail Rights in the Philippines: Understanding When and How They Can Be Restricted
Philippine law guarantees bail as a matter of right for most offenses. A Supreme Court ruling explains when courts may restrict it.
HLURB Jurisdiction Limits: When Buyers Must Sue in Regular Courts
Supreme Court clarifies HLURB jurisdiction over refund and contract disputes, requiring subdivision lot allegations for agency jurisdiction.
Challenging Election Results: Pre-Proclamation Controversies and Void Proclamations
Learn when a pre-proclamation controversy can be filed after proclamation, and why a void proclamation is no proclamation at all.
Lump Sum Land Sales: Boundaries vs. Area Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on land sales, tenancy, and why property boundaries matter more than area in lump sum transactions.