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.
Job Offer Accepted but Withdrawn Before Start Date: The Aragones Ruling on Perfected Employment Contracts
A job offer accepted is a perfected employment contract. Learn the Supreme Court's ruling in Aragones v. Alltech and what it means for employers and employees.
When Courts Must Defer to CIAC: The Limited Review of Construction Arbitral Awards
The Supreme Court clarifies the narrow grounds for overturning CIAC arbitral awards, reaffirming judicial restraint in construction disputes.
When Judges Delay: Supreme Court Fines Judge for Gross Neglect of Duty
A Philippine judge was fined PHP 185,003 for delaying decisions and violating rules on video conferencing hearings. Here's what this means for judicial accountability.
COA’s Limited Role in Enforcing Final Court Judgments on Government Liabilities
The Supreme Court clarifies that COA cannot determine funding sources for final judgments, ensuring government obligations are honored without delay.
Unwarranted Benefits Local Officials Liability FOR Illegal Insurance Agreements IN Pagsanjan
Supreme Court clarifies liability under Section 3(e) for mayors and councilors in illegal insurance contracts without public bidding.
Disputed Inheritance: Proving Ownership in Land Claims After a Family Fallout
A Supreme Court ruling on proving land ownership in family disputes, where a photocopied title and bare claims failed against a registered certificate of title.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: When a Late or Vague Medical Assessment Means Automatic Total Disability
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's incomplete or late medical assessment entitles a seafarer to permanent total disability benefits.
Forged Payrolls and Denied Rights: Protecting Overseas Workers From Wage Theft
The Supreme Court reinstates wage claims of OFWs against a recruitment agency, ruling that forged payrolls cannot defeat workers' right to just compensation.
BSP Bank Closure Powers: What the Supreme Court Ruling Means for Depositors
The Supreme Court upheld the BSP's power to close banks without prior hearing, protecting depositors while limiting legal challenges.
Vicarious Liability of Schools: When Teachers Answer for Student Negligence
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when school principals and teachers are vicariously liable for student acts causing injury to third persons.
Reinstatement Wages After Illegal Dismissal: The 'Final Reversal' Rule Explained
When must employers pay reinstatement wages after an illegal dismissal ruling? The Supreme Court clarifies the "final reversal" rule in Del Monte Land Transport.
Conditional Sale vs. Contract to Sell: A Supreme Court Ruling on Ownership, Breach, and Forum Shopping
The Supreme Court clarifies when a "conditional sale" is really a contract to sell, and warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Executive Order 30 on Energy Projects: Balancing Streamlined Permits and Environmental Rights
Supreme Court clarifies remedies for challenging executive issuances on energy projects, environmental rights, and the scope of judicial review.
CIAC Jurisdiction: When a Contract Is Not a Construction Contract
Supreme Court clarifies CIAC jurisdiction requires an actual construction contract, not merely plans or surveys for future projects.
Death of the Accused and Criminal Liability: The Rodriguez v. Elorde Ruling
When an accused dies before final judgment, criminal liability is extinguished. But civil liability may survive—here's how.
Ejectment Cases in the Philippines: When Tenants Cannot Challenge the Landlord's Title
Philippine ejectment cases explained: the estoppel rule barring tenants from denying a landlord's title, plus key rulings from Laqui v. Sagun.
Judicial Immunity: Administrative Complaints Cannot Substitute Judicial Remedies
Administrative complaints cannot substitute judicial remedies against judges. Learn from a recent Supreme Court ruling on judicial immunity.
Overtime Rights Security Guard DTRs As Proof Of Extra Hours
Security guards can prove overtime work through DTRs countersigned by the client. A 2024 Supreme Court ruling explains the rules.
When Can a Writ of Possession Be Challenged? Property Rights Explained
A recent Supreme Court ruling clarifies when buyers of condominium units or parking slots can challenge a writ of possession issued after foreclosure.
Newly Discovered Evidence in Philippine Courts: The Barraquio Case and Rule 37
Learn the strict requirements for newly discovered evidence under Rule 37 and what the Supreme Court's Barraquio ruling means for litigants.
When Can You Amend a Labor Complaint? NLRC Rules Explained
Learn the strict NLRC rule on amending labor complaints before the position paper, based on a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.
Forum Shopping in the Philippines: Avoiding Conflicting Court Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies the prohibition on forum shopping in labor cases, warning parties against raising the same issues in multiple forums to delay execution.
VAT Refund Timelines: Supreme Court Clarifies the 120-Day Rule in Dohle Shipmanagement
The Supreme Court clarifies when the 120-day VAT refund period starts, giving taxpayers control over the timeline for judicial claims.
VAT Zero-Rating for Renewable Energy: Key Requirements and Implications
Supreme Court clarifies VAT zero-rating requirements for renewable energy developers, including DOE endorsement, in Maibarara Geothermal case.