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.
Finality of Judgments: Why Second Motions for Reconsideration Are Not Allowed in Philippine Courts
Philippine courts generally bar second motions for reconsideration. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and why finality matters.
League of Cities v. COMELEC: The Finality of the 16 Cityhood Laws
The Supreme Court denies a second motion for reconsideration, affirming the constitutionality of the 16 Cityhood Laws with finality.
Employee Transfers and Constructive Dismissal in the Philippines: Employer Rights and Employee Protection
When is a job transfer constructive dismissal? The Supreme Court explains management prerogative, diminution of benefits, and employee rights.
Proving Rape in the Philippines: Force, Intimidation, and Rejecting the Sweetheart Defense
How Philippine courts weigh force and intimidation in rape cases, and why the sweetheart defense fails without solid proof.
Substantial Justice Prevails When Philippine Courts Forgive Minor Procedural Lapses
Philippine courts prioritize substantial justice over procedural technicalities, but only for parties who followed the rules. Learn when lapses are forgiven.
Loss of Trust and Confidence as Just Cause for Dismissal: The Coca-Cola Export Corporation v. Gacayan Case
Supreme Court clarifies that loss of trust and confidence can justify dismissing non-managerial employees holding positions of responsibility, reversing an illegal dismissal ruling.
Why Correct Docket Fees Are Crucial for Jurisdiction in Philippine Property Disputes
Learn how docket fees affect court jurisdiction in property cases, based on a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on estate disputes.
Accountability Amidst Chaos: Supreme Court Upholds Abu Sayyaf Kidnapping Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms the kidnapping convictions of Abu Sayyaf members, rejecting alibi, duress, and minority defenses.
Missing Rollo Case: Court Record Handling and Lawyer Accountability
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for borrowing a case rollo and keeping it for nearly 12 years, underscoring integrity in legal practice.
Online Psychological Abuse Under RA 9262: Proving Social Media Authorship and Higher Penalties
The Supreme Court clarifies how to prove social media authorship in VAWC cases and raises penalties when psychological abuse is committed online.
CBA Imposition Balancing Employer Rights AND Collective Bargaining Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the scope and effectivity of an imposed CBA when an employer commits unfair labor practice by refusing to bargain.
Double Land Titles in the Philippines: How to Determine Ownership and Avoid Legal Battles
Learn how Philippine courts resolve double land titles, verify true ownership, and prevent property disputes with practical legal guidance.
Breach of Seafarer Employment Contracts: POEA Rules and the Risk of Suspension
A Supreme Court ruling on a seafarer's refusal to join a vessel clarifies POEA breach rules and the proper appeal route.
Tax Refund or Tax Credit Carry Over: Understanding Irrevocability in Philippine Tax Law
The Supreme Court explains why choosing the carry-over option for excess income tax credits is irrevocable under the National Internal Revenue Code.
Invalid Land Title Understanding Reconveyance AND Protecting Your Property Rights IN THE Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court handles land title disputes, reconveyance, and property rights in the Philippines, with key lessons from a recent ruling.
Census Is King: Priority Rights Yield to Actual Occupancy in Philippine Housing Projects
In ZIP housing projects, the official census and tagging determine who gets the lot—not priority certificates or prior possession claims.
The Power of Compromise: How Philippine Courts Uphold Settlement Agreements
Philippine courts honor settlement agreements as binding contracts. Learn how compromise agreements are enforced and when they can be set aside.
Eviction from Military Reservations: Government Authority and Squatters' Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Army v. Pamittan clarifies when the government may evict occupants of military reservations without a court order and the limits of squatters' rights.
No Intent, No Crime: Illegal Possession of Counterfeit Money in the Philippines
Philippine law requires intent to use for counterfeit money possession to be a crime. Learn the rules from a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Beyond Procedure: Substantial Justice Prevails Over Strict Notice Rules in Forcible Entry Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that procedural lapses in discovery should not defeat substantial justice, but warns against forum shopping in property disputes.
Philippine Sheriff Accountability Upholding Timely Writ Execution AND Proper Fund Handling
Supreme Court rules on sheriff's grave misconduct for delayed writ return and mishandling of execution proceeds in Sorsogon case.
Clearing Land Title Clouds: Why Accurate Property Descriptions Are Crucial in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on agrarian reform, land reclassification, and why precise property records protect ownership rights.
Navigating Philippine Bank Secrecy Laws When Foreign Currency Deposits Can Be Disclosed
The Supreme Court clarifies when foreign currency deposits may be examined under Philippine law, and the limits of bank secrecy.
Self-Defense Claims in Philippine Murder Cases: Why Courts Require Clear and Convincing Evidence
Learn how Philippine courts evaluate self-defense claims in murder cases, and why credible prosecution evidence can outweigh an accused's uncorroborated testimony.