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.
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.
Probationary Employment Standards: When Vague Job Rules Lead to Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when vague probationary standards make an employee regular, and the consequences for employers who fail to set clear job expectations.
Compromise Agreements in Philippine Disputes: When Courts Must Respect Settlements
The Supreme Court clarifies when courts must approve compromise agreements, protecting valid settlements from being overturned on technical grounds.
Understanding Illegal Recruitment and Estafa: Protecting Yourself From Job Scams in the Philippines
The Supreme Court explains illegal recruitment in large scale and estafa, and how job seekers can spot and avoid overseas employment scams.
Proper Search Procedures in Drug Possession Cases: Insights from Quilet v. People
The Supreme Court acquits a drug possession convict due to irregular strip search, flawed marking, and missing witnesses under RA 9165.
Understanding the Burden of Proof in Disbarment Cases: A Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court dismissed a disbarment complaint for lack of evidence, clarifying the burden of proof in administrative cases against lawyers.
Proving Forgery in Disbarment Cases: The Burden of Clear Evidence
Disbarment complaints require clear preponderant evidence; bare allegations of forgery without expert proof will not suffice.
Child Custody Battles: Habeas Corpus and Forum Shopping in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies habeas corpus in child custody cases and penalizes forum shopping in Reyes v. Elquiero.
Execution Pending Appeal in Ejectment Cases: Immediate Judgment Enforcement in the Philippines
Learn how execution pending appeal works in Philippine ejectment cases, including the mandatory rule and key Supreme Court rulings.
When a Lawyer Betrays a Client: Disbarment and the Independence of Administrative Cases
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client into signing a compromise agreement, clarifying that disciplinary cases proceed independently of civil suits.
Disbarment for Lawyer Misconduct: Conflict of Interest and Deceit in Philippine Legal Practice
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer who deceived his client and profited from a compromise agreement, clarifying disciplinary proceedings are independent of civil cases.
Understanding the Special Power to Sell in Real Estate Mortgages: A Supreme Court Ruling
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified what constitutes a valid special power to sell in extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Non-Diminution of Benefits: When a Company Car Plan Change Is Allowed
The Supreme Court clarifies when changing a company car plan violates the non-diminution rule under Article 100 of the Labor Code.
Understanding Illegal Dismissal When Mistakes Dont Justify Firing
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when retrenchment is illegal dismissal, requiring proof of losses and fair selection criteria.
Right to Repurchase Homestead Land: Key Supreme Court Ruling Explained
The Supreme Court reaffirms a homesteader's right to repurchase sold land within five years under Section 119 of the Public Land Act.
Illegal Dismissal of Seafarers: Due Process and Contract Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies the twin notice rule and monetary awards for illegally dismissed seafarers under Philippine law.
Understanding Regular Employment: How the Nature of Work Determines Employee Status in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when construction workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure, not merely project-based hires.
Mortgage Validity and Damage Claims: Lessons from a Landmark Philippine Supreme Court Case
Learn how the Supreme Court ruled on mortgage validity despite notarization flaws and when damages are improperly awarded.
Due Process and Conjugal Property Rights in Philippine Legal Disputes
Explore the Supreme Court's ruling on due process, conjugal property, and annulment of judgment in Spouses Hofer v. Yu.
Good Faith vs Bad Faith in Public Office: Lessons from Abillar v. People's Television Network
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when reliance on an official's assurance amounts to good faith, and what constitutes bad faith in public office.