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.
Reconstitution of Lost Title: Court Clarifies Burden of Proof Under RA 26
Supreme Court clarifies the rules on judicial reconstitution of lost titles, emphasizing the order of sources and burden of proof under RA 26.
When Reckless Imprudence Causes Death: Penalties, Contributory Negligence, and Voluntary Surrender
The Supreme Court clarifies penalties for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, when contributory negligence matters, and why voluntary surrender may not reduce the sentence.
Mortgage Foreclosure Estoppel Prevents Claimants From Denying Prior Actions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how estoppel bars property claimants from questioning a mortgage foreclosure after prior inconsistent acts.
Employer-Employee Relationship and Illegal Dismissal: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test for employer-employee relationship and rules on illegal dismissal due to disease in Sy v. Court of Appeals.
Challenging Local Tax Ordinances: The 30-Day Appeal Rule Under Section 187
Taxpayers must appeal to the Secretary of Justice within 30 days of a local tax ordinance's effectivity or lose the right to challenge it in court.
Due Process in Land Disputes: Why Fair Resurveys Matter for Property Owners
The Supreme Court reminds courts that relocation surveys in land disputes must respect due process—both parties need notice and representation.
Due Process and Timeliness: Strict Enforcement of Motion Hearing Rules in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts strictly enforce Rule 15, Section 5 on motion hearing dates. Learn how a pro forma motion can waive due process rights.
Regular vs Seasonal Employment: Security of Tenure in Sugarcane Farming
Supreme Court clarifies when seasonal sugarcane workers become regular employees entitled to security of tenure and protection from illegal dismissal.
Union Registration Validity and Challenges in Philippine Labor Context
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a registered union's legal personality cannot be collaterally attacked in certification election cases.
When a Judge Dies During an Administrative Case: Due Process Prevails
A judge's death during a pending administrative complaint ends the case—due process demands no posthumous proceedings.
Affidavits of Desistance: When Do They Overturn a Guilty Verdict?
When can an affidavit of desistance overturn a guilty verdict? The Supreme Court explains in Santos v. People.
Attempted Rape Conviction Upheld Despite Retraction and Blotter Gaps
Supreme Court affirms attempted rape conviction, explaining why recantations and police blotter entries carry little weight in Philippine criminal cases.
Breach of Contract in Property Sales: Rights, Interest, and Damages Under Philippine Law
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on unpaid property sale balances clarifies when nominal damages, attorney's fees, and 12% interest apply.
Free Meals or More Than Free Meals? Interpreting Collective Bargaining Agreements
When a CBA says "after three hours," does it mean exactly three or more than three? The Supreme Court settles the rule on plain meaning.
Waiver of Publication in Foreclosure Sales: Protecting Public Interest Over Private Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court rules parties cannot waive publication requirements in extrajudicial foreclosure sales under Act No. 3135.
Weighing Evidence in Psychological Incapacity Cases Under Article 36
A Rule 45 petition questioning psychological incapacity findings raises questions of fact, not law, the Supreme Court rules.
Prescription of Penalties: Why Actual Imprisonment Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when prescription of penalties begins—only after a convict actually escapes from imprisonment.
Prescription of Penalties: Evasion of Sentence Requires Prior Imprisonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: prescription of penalty starts only when a convicted person escapes from actual imprisonment, not from hiding.
Substantial Compliance Prevails When Procedural Rules Meet Substantive Justice
Supreme Court ruling on substantial compliance with non-forum shopping certification requirements in corporate cases.
Contempt of Court for Re-Entering Property After Execution of Judgment
When a final judgment orders you to vacate property, re-entering it can lead to contempt of court. Learn from this Philippine case.
Contractual Obligations Upholding Agreed Upon Interest Rates in Construction Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court affirms 2% monthly interest on unpaid construction balance, enforcing contractual stipulations between owner and contractor.
When Final Judgments Can Be Modified: Supervening Events in Labor Cases
The Supreme Court explains when a final and executory reinstatement order may still be modified due to supervening events.
Carnapping Conviction Affirmed: Penalties and Procedural Rules Under RA 6538
Learn how the Supreme Court clarified carnapping penalties and appeal rules in Mercado v. People, including key procedural takeaways.
Protecting Seafarers: Illegal Dismissal and Due Process Rights in Maritime Employment
When can a shipowner dismiss a Filipino seafarer? The Supreme Court clarifies just cause and due process rules for maritime employment.