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.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: When Social Media Posts Become Crimes
The Supreme Court clarifies when Facebook posts constitute psychological abuse under RA 9262 and how ICT use raises penalties.
Annulment of NLRC Judgments: Why the Court of Appeals Lacks Jurisdiction
Explore why the Court of Appeals cannot annul NLRC decisions and the risks of forum shopping in labor cases.
Jurisdiction Over Civil Service Disputes: The CSC's Exclusive Role
Learn why the Civil Service Commission, not regular courts, has exclusive jurisdiction over personnel disputes involving government employees.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: Protecting Borrowers in Five-Six Lending
When is a deed of sale actually a mortgage? The Supreme Court protects borrowers in five-six lending schemes.
When a Deed of Sale Is Really an Equitable Mortgage: Cruz v. Cruz
The Supreme Court explains when a purported deed of sale is actually an equitable mortgage, protecting borrowers from losing property for a fraction of its value.
Shipyards and Public Utilities: Defining National Interest in Corporate Ownership
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether shipyards are public utilities requiring 60% Filipino ownership, and its impact on corporate acquisitions.
Forum Shopping and Mining Rights: Lessons from the Lepanto-WMC Dispute
The Supreme Court clarifies when overlapping claims before courts and administrative agencies constitute forum shopping in mining disputes.
Forum Shopping and Foreclosure: Navigating Jurisdictional Boundaries in Mortgage Disputes
When properties in different provinces are foreclosed, filing separate suits to stop each sale is not forum shopping. The Supreme Court explains why.
Verifying Arbitral Awards: Authenticity Requirements Under Philippine Arbitration Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that unverified copies of arbitral awards cannot support court confirmation orders, explaining verification requirements under R.A. 876.
Substantial Compliance in Labor Disputes: Upholding Merits Over Technicalities
Philippine Supreme Court rules that substantial compliance with procedural rules, not technicalities, should govern labor dispute resolutions.
Ejectment Suits and Due Process: When Non-Parties Are Bound by Court Decisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when non-parties to an ejectment case may still be bound by a demolition order.
Unregistered Mortgage vs Notice of Lis Pendens: Priority Rights in Foreclosure
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on priority between unregistered mortgages and notices of lis pendens in property foreclosure disputes.
Defying Court Orders Corporate Officers Held Liable For Contempt AND Restitution
Corporate officers who defy court orders to return property can be held in contempt and ordered to pay restitution personally, even if a fire later destroys the property.
Unlawful Detainer: Why Prior Physical Possession Is the Core Issue in Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that in unlawful detainer cases, prior physical possession—not ownership—is the decisive issue.
Final Decisions Stand: The Immutability of NLRC Rulings in Illegal Dismissal Cases
A final and executory NLRC decision cannot be modified. Learn what this means for illegal dismissal claims and back wages.
Upholding University Authority When an Investigation Committee Can Be Challenged
Supreme Court ruling on when university investigation committees can be challenged, exhaustion of administrative remedies, and due process.
Substantial Compliance When Overly Strict Rules Give Way to Justice in Labor Disputes
The Supreme Court reminds litigants that procedural rules yield to substantial justice, as shown in a case on equitable mortgage and res judicata.
Valid Service of Summons: Protecting Due Process in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on personal service of summons, due process, and annulment of judgments in Lazaro v. Rural Bank.
Patent Infringement and the Doctrine of Equivalents: Beyond Literal Claim Language
Philippine Supreme Court explains when the doctrine of equivalents applies in patent infringement cases, using Smith Kline Beckman v. Tryco Pharma as guide.
Authorized Driver Clause and Police Blotters in Insurance Claims
When can an insurer deny a claim based on the authorized driver clause? The Supreme Court explains the evidentiary weight of police blotters.
Personal Surety Liability vs Corporate Rights: When Banks Lose Their Claim
A bank's unauthorized extension of credit deadlines releases personal sureties from liability, even when they signed a continuing guaranty.
Resolving Ownership in Forcible Entry: When Courts Can Decide Who Truly Owns the Land
Philippine ejectment cases usually focus on possession, but courts may resolve ownership when it is intertwined with possession. Learn the rules.
Forged Signatures and Faulty Sales: Protecting Spousal Rights in Property Transfers
A forged deed by a married man without his wife's consent is void; buyers must verify occupancy before purchasing property.
Zealous Advocacy Has Limits: Lawyers Reprimanded for Offensive Court Pleadings
Philippine Supreme Court reprimands lawyers for abusive language in pleadings, clarifying the limits of zealous advocacy and privileged communication.