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.
Finality of Judgment in Disbarment Cases: What Lawyers and Clients Should Know
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen his case fails, as the Supreme Court enforces the doctrine of finality of judgment and cites him for indirect contempt.
When Sangguniang Approval Is Needed for Local Government Contracts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when local chief executives need sanggunian approval before signing contracts binding their LGUs to new obligations.
Reversion of Land: Balancing State Ownership and Good Faith Improvements
When land reverts to the State, what happens to improvements planted in good faith? The Supreme Court provides guidance.
Notarizing Without the Affiant: A Lawyer's One-Year Suspension and Its Lessons
A lawyer who notarized a Special Power of Attorney without the affiant present was suspended for one year. Learn the rules and consequences.
Breach of Contract and Bad Faith: Airlines' Liability for Downgraded Seats
Philippine Airlines held liable for downgrading a passenger's business class seat to economy, with the Supreme Court affirming damages for breach of contract in bad faith.
Certiorari Denied: Why Skipping a Motion for Reconsideration Kills Your Appeal
Skipping a motion for reconsideration before filing a Rule 65 certiorari petition can be fatal. Learn the rules from a 2008 Supreme Court case.
Government Employee Benefits Unauthorized Allowances Violate Standardization Laws
Supreme Court affirms COA disallowance of P10,000 food basket allowance to BFAR employees for lack of legal basis.
Finality of Judgments, Solidary Liability, and Actual Damages in Cockfighting Disputes
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies the immutability of final judgments and how to compute actual damages in a cockfighting dispute.
Entrapment vs Illegal Arrest: Warrantless Arrests in Drug Cases
When is a warrantless arrest in a buy-bust operation valid? The Supreme Court explains the difference between entrapment and illegal arrest.
Parol Evidence Rule and Oral Agreements in Lease Contracts: Key Lessons from Amoncio v. Benedicto
When can oral agreements modify a written lease? The Supreme Court explains the parol evidence rule and its exceptions.
Unlawful Appointments: Does Temporary Disqualification Mean Lack of Legal Qualification?
Supreme Court clarifies that temporary disqualification of losing candidates constitutes lack of legal qualification under Article 244, RPC.
When Mootness Ends a Case: The ZTE-NBN Project Dispute Before the Supreme Court
The Supreme Court dismissed the consolidated petitions against the ZTE-NBN project as moot after the government abandoned the deal, explaining key limits on judicial power.
Injunctions in Ejectment Cases: Balancing Property Rights and Public Service
When can an ejectment judgment be stayed? City of Naga v. Asuncion shows how courts balance property rights against disruption of public services.
Attorney Misconduct: When a Lawyer's Absence Constitutes Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lawyer's absence from proceedings amounts to negligence, and the limits of a client's remedy.
Partnership vs Loan: Proving the True Nature of Money Transfers in Family Business Disputes
When is a transfer of funds a loan rather than a share of profits? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules of evidence in family business disputes.
Void Marriage: Falsifying Cohabitation to Bypass Marriage License Requirements
Supreme Court rules a false affidavit of five-year cohabitation cannot replace a marriage license, making the marriage void.
Writ of Possession After Foreclosure: Ministerial Duty of Courts Explained
Learn when courts must issue writs of possession after extrajudicial foreclosure and why pending cases questioning mortgage validity do not stop it.
Pre-Proclamation Controversies in Senatorial Races: Pimentel v. COMELEC Explained
The Supreme Court in Pimentel v. COMELEC limits pre-proclamation challenges in senatorial races, directing disputes to election protests instead.
Mission Orders and Memorandum Receipts: When They Don't Replace a Firearms License
The Supreme Court clarifies that mission orders and memorandum receipts cannot substitute for a valid firearms license, even for confidential agents.
Tax Declarations as Indicia of Possession: Lessons from Leoncio v. De Vera
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tax declarations as evidence of possession and ownership in land reconveyance cases.
Perfecting Labor Appeals: The Indispensable Surety Bond and Jurisdictional Requirements
Posting an appeal bond is jurisdictional in labor cases. A late bond means no appeal, and the Labor Arbiter's decision becomes final.
Bidding Required Government Contracts Must Ensure Fair Competition
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when public bidding is mandatory for government service contracts and why negotiated awards violate fair competition.
Perfecting Appeals: Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Mandatory in Philippine Courts
Learn why paying appellate docket fees on time is crucial—and when courts may relax the rule.
Holiday Pay Divisor Method Prevails Over Literal CBA Interpretation
Supreme Court rules employers may prove holiday pay inclusion through salary computation methods, not just payroll line items.