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.
Construction Disputes: Why an Arbitration Agreement Is Crucial in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that the CIAC cannot take construction disputes unless the parties agreed to arbitration. Learn the key rule.
Constructive Dismissal of OFWs: When Unbearable Work Conditions Amount to Illegal Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when unbearable working conditions abroad amount to constructive dismissal of OFWs, entitling them to back wages and damages.
Dismissal for Dishonesty When Court Employees Cross the Line in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies dismissal for dishonesty against court employees and the importance of integrity in the judiciary.
Medical Malpractice in the Philippines: Proving Negligence After Nuñez vs. Daz
When is a bad medical outcome negligence? The Supreme Court's Nuñez ruling clarifies the high burden of proof in Philippine malpractice cases.
Installment Land Sales in the Philippines: Buyer Rights and Contract Reinstatement
Learn how the Supreme Court protects installment buyers' right to reinstate contracts under the Maceda Law.
Shariah Court Misconduct: Administrative Liability After Retirement Explained
Learn how the Supreme Court held a retired Shariah judge and clerk liable for neglect and prejudicial conduct under Rule 140.
Attorney Disbarment for Notarial Misconduct and Ethical Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court disbarred Atty. Elmer Dela Rosa for selling a client's property without consent and notarizing a document with deceased signatories.
One-Year Ban on Appointments for Losing Candidates: Understanding the Restrictions
The Supreme Court clarifies the one-year constitutional ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts, including contractual engagements.
Seafarer Disability Claims: Medical Abandonment and Its Consequences in the Philippines
When a seafarer fails to complete required medical treatment and re-evaluation, the right to disability benefits may be forfeited. The Supreme Court explains.
Preliminary Attachment in the Philippines: Safeguarding Claims Without Overreach
The Supreme Court clarifies when preliminary attachment is proper, stressing strict compliance with Rule 57 to prevent abuse.
PAO Conflict of Interest Rule Upheld: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means
The Supreme Court upheld Section 22, Canon III of the CPRA, limiting conflict of interest imputation among PAO lawyers. Learn the implications.
When Is a Seafarer's Injury Work-Related? The Arguilles Case Explained
The Supreme Court clarifies when an off-duty injury on board a vessel is compensable, applying the bunkhouse rule and POEA-SEC standards.
When Notarizing Two Deeds for the Same Property Becomes a Lawyer’s Undoing
A lawyer who notarized two deeds of sale for the same property with different amounts was suspended and lost his notarial commission. Here’s why.
Chain of Custody Breach Warrants Acquittal in Drug Sale Case
Supreme Court acquits drug suspects where inventory was done at PDEA office, not arrest site, without justification.
Dishonesty and Neglect of Duty: Consequences for Court Personnel in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on a clerk of court's cash shortages clarifies the penalties for dishonesty and gross neglect of duty.
Lawyers as Dummies in Land Deals: Ethical Breach and Unauthorized Practice
SC suspends lawyer for two years for helping a corporation circumvent free patent rules and for practicing law while mayor.
Notarizing Without a Commission: Supreme Court Discipline for Lawyers
Learn the disciplinary consequences for Philippine lawyers who notarize documents without a valid commission, based on a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Concurrent Jurisdiction: PEMC Authority to Investigate WESM Rule Breaches
Supreme Court affirms PEMC's concurrent power with ERC to investigate and sanction WESM rule breaches by market participants.
Concurrent Authority Investigating Energy Market Breaches in the Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies that PEMC and ERC share concurrent power to investigate WESM rule breaches, resolving a jurisdictional dispute.
When Agrarian Disputes Are Really Contract Cases: DAR v. Lapanday Foods
The Supreme Court clarifies when disputes over CARP lands are ordinary contract cases, not agrarian disputes under DAR jurisdiction.
Eminent Domain and Prior Rights: Resolving Land Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contract rights, port operations, and jurisdictional issues in infrastructure disputes.
Gross Negligence of Counsel Can Restore the Right to Appeal in Criminal Cases
When a lawyer's gross negligence and misrepresentations cause a client to lose the right to appeal, the Supreme Court may recall the entry of judgment and reinstate the appeal.
Bank Liable for Moral Damages Over Mortgage Redemption Insurance Non-Disclosure
When a bank offers mortgage redemption insurance, it must disclose coverage limits. Learn from Land Bank v. Miranda why non-disclosure can lead to damages.
Reviving Judgments Balancing Timeliness AND Justice IN Philippine LAW
The Supreme Court acquits a PPA official in an anti-graft case, clarifying the elements of Section 3(e) of RA 3019.