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.
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.
Failure to Present Logbook and Follow Due Process Makes Seafarer Dismissal Illegal
Supreme Court rules a seafarer's dismissal was illegal where the employer relied only on fax messages and failed to observe the two-notice rule.
Judge Fined for Delayed Decision in Carnapping Case: Duty to Decide Promptly
Supreme Court fines judge P2,000 for undue delay in deciding a carnapping case, stressing judges must decide cases promptly or seek extensions.
Challenging Jurisdiction: Understanding Estoppel by Laches in Philippine Courts
When can a litigant be barred by laches from questioning a court's lack of jurisdiction? The Supreme Court clarifies in Figueroa v. People.
Seafarer’s Illegal Dismissal: Due Process and the Ship’s Logbook in Maritime Cases
The Supreme Court ruled a seafarer’s dismissal illegal for lack of just cause and due process, highlighting the logbook’s evidentiary value.
Breach of Contract: When Incomplete Construction Doesn't Warrant Full Payment
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when a contractor's incomplete work bars recovery of the full contract price in construction disputes.
Voluntary Appearance Cures Defective Summons: Dole Philippines v. Quilala
When does a defective summons stop mattering? The Supreme Court explains the rule on voluntary appearance in Dole Philippines v. Quilala.
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.
Habitual Tardiness and Falsification of Time Records: Ethical Standards in the Judiciary
The Supreme Court dismisses a court utility worker for habitual tardiness and falsifying time cards, underscoring strict ethical standards for judiciary employees.
Crediting Government Service for Retirement: Defining the Scope of the Civil Service and Compensation
The Supreme Court clarifies which government services count for retirement benefits, distinguishing full-time civil service from part-time and non-chartered positions.
Bouncing Checks and Iniquitous Interest: When a Civil Case Cannot Stop a Criminal Prosecution
Learn when a dispute over unconscionable interest rates can—and cannot—suspend criminal prosecutions for bouncing checks under BP 22.
Anonymous Complaints in Disciplinary Cases: Due Process and Ethical Conduct
The Supreme Court dismisses an anonymous complaint against Solicitor General Devanadera, balancing due process rights with ethical oversight of lawyers.
Wage Order Applicability: Minimum Wage Earners vs Above-Minimum Wage Employees
Supreme Court clarifies that wage orders apply only to minimum wage earners, not those already receiving above-minimum wages.
Forum Shopping and Litis Pendentia: Preserving Judicial Efficiency in Boundary Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing a second suit over the same boundary dispute constitutes forum shopping and litis pendentia.
Arrastre Contractor Liability: When the P3,500-Per-Package Limit Does Not Apply
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when arrastre contractors cannot invoke the P3,500 per-package liability limit under PPA Administrative Order No. 10-81.
Who Pays When Cargo Vanishes: Defining Responsibility in Shipping Losses
When a shipment disappears in a terminal, who bears the loss? The Supreme Court clarifies arrastre liability and insurance subrogation.
Innocent Purchaser For Value: When Prior Attachment Defects Don't Erase Property Rights
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on attachment registration, innocent purchaser doctrine, and property rights under PD 1529.
Simulated Sales: When Continued Possession Trumps a Deed of Sale
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on simulated sales: continued possession and tax payments can nullify a deed of absolute sale.
Buy-Bust Operations and Drug Convictions: What the Supreme Court Ruled in People v. Concepcion
The Supreme Court affirms drug sale convictions from a buy-bust, clarifying what evidence is needed and when procedural lapses do not excuse offenders.
Quo Warranto and Forum Shopping: Lessons from Feliciano v. Villasin
The Supreme Court clarifies quo warranto rules, de facto officers, and the consequences of forum shopping in Feliciano v. Villasin.
Estafa by False Pretenses: Proving Fraud Beyond Reasonable Doubt in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts prove estafa by false pretenses, using the Rizza Lao case to explain the elements, burden of proof, and penalties.
Fresh Period Rule Applies Retroactively to Pending Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies that the Neypes fresh period rule applies retroactively to pending cases, allowing late appeals to proceed.
Residency Requirements for Elective Office: Domicile and Disqualification Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies how domicile is determined for election residency requirements, using a mayoral disqualification case as a guide.
Land Registration: Proving Continuous Possession for Imperfect Titles
The Supreme Court explains what evidence is needed to register land under an imperfect title, requiring possession since June 12, 1945.