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.
Notarial Wills and Territorial Limits on Notary Public Authority
A will acknowledged before a notary acting outside his commission is void. Learn the territorial limits rule from Guerrero v. Bihis.
Bare Denials Cannot Overcome Positive Testimony in Buy-Bust Drug Convictions
Explore how the Supreme Court affirmed drug convictions despite denials, emphasizing the weight of positive police testimony in buy-bust operations.
Prescription in Mortgage Foreclosure: When the Clock Starts Ticking in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that the 10-year prescriptive period for mortgage foreclosure runs from default, not from the mortgage date.
Non-Compete Clauses in Philippine Employment: When Post-Employment Restrictions Are Valid
The Supreme Court explains when non-compete clauses in employment contracts are valid and enforceable under Philippine law.
Administrative Power in the Philippines: Data Protection for Public Interest
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on FPA's proprietary data protection under P.D. 1144, upholding administrative power for public interest.
Reopening Criminal Cases in the Philippines: The Hearing Requirement Under Rule 119
When can a Philippine court reopen a criminal case before judgment? The rules require a hearing—and the Supreme Court has enforced that requirement.
Accrual Accounting and the All-Events Test: Deducting Business Expenses in Philippine Tax Law
When can a business deduct expenses under accrual accounting? The Supreme Court explains the all-events test in this Philippine tax case.
Buy-Bust Operations and Warrantless Arrests Under RA 9165: What the Supreme Court Said
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buy-bust arrests are valid without a warrant and how penalties are imposed under RA 9165.
When Is a Buy-Bust Operation Legal in the Philippines? Key Rules from People v. Nicolas
Philippine courts uphold buy-bust operations as valid drug enforcement, even without prior surveillance. Learn the essential elements and your rights.
Prescription Periods in Labor Disputes: Why Filing on Time and in the Right Court Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription of money claims in labor cases, and why filing in the wrong court can be fatal.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
Automatic Contract Cancellation in the Philippines: Grace Periods and Buyer Obligations
Missed payments on a Contract to Sell can trigger automatic cancellation. Learn the rules from Santiago v. Court of Appeals.
Unmasking Land Title Fraud Evidence and Due Diligence in Philippine Property Disputes
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving forged deeds, church death certificates as evidence, and due diligence in property disputes.
DTR Rules and Office Hours for Government Employees: Key Lessons from a Supreme Court Ruling
A Supreme Court ruling on falsified DTRs clarifies strict office hours, the 40-hour work week, and flexi-time limits for government employees.
Welga ng Bayan and Illegal Work Stoppage: What Philippine Employees Should Know
Joining a welga ng bayan without notice can be an illegal work stoppage. Learn the rules from the Biflex case.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Can an Employee Be Denied Retirement Benefits for Breach of Trust?
The Supreme Court rules on whether a bank manager validly dismissed for breach of trust can still claim retirement benefits after his compulsory retirement date had passed.
Real Property Tax Sales: Ensuring Proper Notice to Delinquent Owners
The Supreme Court clarifies the notice requirements for tax delinquency sales under P.D. 464, emphasizing strict compliance with statutory notice rules.
Default Judgment Consequences of Missing Pretrial in Philippine Courts
Learn how skipping pretrial can lead to default judgment in Philippine courts, and what the Ramientas v. Reyala case says about procedural rules.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Change of Name Petitions: Substantial Compliance with Jurisdictional Requirements
Supreme Court rules on change of name petitions, publication requirements, and jurisdictional compliance under Rule 103.
Right to Present Evidence Ensures Fair Trial Despite Counsel's Absence
Supreme Court rules that a client's right to present evidence cannot be sacrificed due to counsel's absence, ensuring fair trial.
Stare Decisis in Philippine Courts: How Prior Rulings Bind Future Cases
The Supreme Court applies stare decisis to bar relitigation of the Pepsi The decision demonstrates how prior rulings on the same controversy can bar subsequent claims and promote consistency in the ad