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.
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Rescinding a Contract to Sell in the Philippines: When Is a Notarial Act Required?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when Republic Act No. 6552's notarial requirement applies to rescinding a contract to sell real property.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: Key Factors in Philippine Labor Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the control test distinguishing employees from independent contractors in labor disputes.
Res Judicata: How Prior Judgments Impact Future Claims in Philippine Courts
Learn how the doctrine of res judicata bars relitigating settled issues, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on final judgments.
Enforcing Compromise Agreements: A Judge’s Duty and Potential Liability
A judge who vacillates in enforcing a final compromise agreement may face administrative liability. Learn the rules from a Philippine Supreme Court case.
Bottle Ownership and Trademark Rights: Navigating Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on who owns liquor bottles after sale and the limits of trademark protection under R.A. 623.
Lost Luggage Liability of Common Carriers in the Philippines: The Sarkies Tours Case
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies common carrier liability for lost passenger luggage, including moral and exemplary damages under the Civil Code.
Automatic Contract Rescission: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains automatic rescission in contracts to sell, buyer rights, and the dangers of laches in real estate deals.
Rape Conviction Affirmed: Fear and Moral Ascendancy Overcome Claim of Consensual Affair
Philippine Supreme Court affirms uncle's rape conviction, ruling that a victim's fear and an accused's moral ascendancy defeat claims of consent.
Franchise Boundaries: When NPC Can Supply Power Over Existing Franchises
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when NPC may directly supply power within areas covered by existing electric franchise holders.
Counter-Protest Deadlines in Election Cases: Jurisdictional Limits of COMELEC
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on strict deadlines for counter-protests in election cases and COMELEC's jurisdictional limits.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Can a Judgment Be Enforced Early in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the "good reasons" standard for execution pending appeal, using PBCom v. Court of Appeals.
Execution Pending Appeal: When Good Reasons Exist in Philippine Civil Procedure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when execution pending appeal is allowed, emphasizing that financial distress of a corporate party is not a "good reason."
When a Corporation Can Be Held Liable in Labor Disputes Even Without Being Impleaded
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a corporation may be held liable for labor claims even if only its trade name was impleaded.
Valid Reorganization vs Constructive Dismissal: Philippine Supreme Court Clarifies Employer Prerogatives
When a valid company reorganization abolishes a position and reassigns an employee without bad faith, no constructive dismissal arises.
When a Teacher's Discretion Is Not Oppression: The Limits of Authority in Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a teacher's reasonable enrollment requirement is not oppression, defining the limits of administrative liability.
Perfecting a Sale With an Assumed Mortgage: Key Considerations in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a deed of absolute sale with assumption of mortgage is perfected, and the consequences of failing to comply with mortgagee conditions.
Employee Negligence and Termination: When Is Dismissal Justified in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when employee negligence justifies dismissal and the due process requirements employers must follow.
Treachery and Qualifying Circumstances: Understanding Murder vs Homicide in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court explains why treachery must be alleged in the information to convict for murder, not just homicide.
Libel and Free Speech: The Limits of Defamation in Workplace Communications
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on direct contempt clarifies the boundary between free speech and defamatory conduct in workplace settings.
Dying Declarations When Can a Victim's Last Words Convict
Philippine Supreme Court explains when dying declarations are admissible evidence and how they can convict an accused.
Judicial Accountability: Independent Assessment of Justice Secretary's Resolutions in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on trial courts' duty to independently assess Justice Secretary's resolutions in withdrawal of criminal informations.
Direct Contempt of Court: Limits on Punishment and Judicial Authority in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies direct contempt penalties, judicial authority limits, and accountability in Veluz v. Babaran.
Tuition Fee Increases and Employee Benefits: Legal Obligations of Philippine Schools
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how tuition fee increases must be allocated for employee salaries and benefits, with prescription rules explained.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: When Can a Spouse's Property Be Seized for a Husband's Debt
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a wife's property can be seized for her husband's debts, and the limits of third-party claims.