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.
Writ of Possession in Land Registration: Protecting Actual Possessors' Rights in the Philippines
Explain when courts may issue a writ of possession in land registration cases and why actual possessors under claim of ownership are protected.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Petition for Relief in the Court of Appeals: When Can You Revive a Dismissed Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the RTC cannot annul a DARAB decision and when the CA can take jurisdiction over a dismissed appeal.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
Venue Is Key: Why Your Libel Case Might Be Dismissed Before It Even Starts in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue in estate cases, and why filing in the wrong place can get your case dismissed early.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Why Proper Procedure Matters in Wage Orders
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on procedural lapses and the validity of Wage Order No. R02-03 in Metrobank v. NWPC.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Control Test and Regular Employment: When a Retainer Is Not an Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court explains when a company doctor under a retainer agreement is not a regular employee under the control test.
Missed Appeal Deadlines Understanding THE Fresh Period Rule IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the fresh period rule in Neypes v. CA changed appeal deadlines in Philippine courts, giving litigants a full 15 days after denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Motions FOR Extension AND Notice Requirements IN Philippine Appeals
When a defective motion for extension can still save an appeal, and when execution pending appeal is premature in ejectment cases.
Partial Signatures Full Liability Understanding Contracts To Sell CO Owned Property IN THE Philippines
Learn when a contract to sell co-owned property binds all owners, even with only some signatures, under Philippine law.
Protecting Government Assets Understanding Exemptions From Execution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government funds and properties are exempt from execution, and when judges and sheriffs can be held liable.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
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.
Failure to Pay Appeal Docket Fees: When Courts May Reinstate an Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay appeal docket fees does not automatically dismiss an appeal; courts have discretion to reinstate.
Proving Employee Abandonment: Key Lessons from a Philippine Supreme Court Ruling
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies what employers must prove to establish employee abandonment—and why mere absence is not enough.
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.
Charged With A Major Crime Philippine Law on Lesser Offenses Explained
Learn how Philippine courts treat charges for election offenses, the importance of the information's factual recital, and the rules on appeals.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize a Child's Voice
Philippine courts rely heavily on a child rape victim's credible testimony. Learn the rules from People v. Batiancila.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Why Timing Matters in Philippine Property Expropriation
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that just compensation in expropriation is valued at the time of filing or taking, whichever comes first.
Nemo Dat Quod Non Habet: Why Title Verification Matters in Philippine Property Deals
Philippine law bars transferring property you don't own. Learn the nemo dat rule from Hermosilla v. Remoquillo and how to protect your purchase.
Burden of Proof in Labor Cases: Supreme Court Upholds Employee Rights in Wage Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that employers bear the burden of proof in labor standards cases, protecting workers' claims for unpaid wages.
Piercing the Corporate Veil in the Philippines: When Parent Companies Pay Subsidiary Debts
Philippine courts can hold parent companies liable for subsidiary debts when the subsidiary is a mere instrumentality. Learn the rules from General Credit v. Alsons.