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.
Unlawful Appointments: Does Temporary Disqualification Mean Lack of Legal Qualification?
Supreme Court clarifies that temporary disqualification of losing candidates constitutes lack of legal qualification under Article 244, RPC.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa in Financial Misappropriation Cases
Explore when breach of trust constitutes estafa under Philippine law, and why agricultural leasehold tenants cannot be prosecuted for it.
Heirship and Filiation: Proving Inheritance Rights in Property Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on proving filiation through baptismal certificates and the rights of heirs in property disputes.
Conditional Sale Buyers' Rights and Sellers' Obligations After Partial Payment
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies buyer and seller rights in contracts to sell, including when a buyer can demand a deed of absolute sale.
Contractual Retirement Plans Prevail Defining Salary in Employee Benefit Agreements
Supreme Court rules that company retirement plans define salary base for benefits, and R.A. 7641 only applies when no plan exists or benefits fall below legal minimums.
Finality of Judgment: When a Lawyer's Negligence Does Not Deny Due Process
A dismissed employee's late appeal fails as the Supreme Court upholds finality of judgment despite counsel's negligence.
Shared Maritime Tragedy Determining Liability In Collision At Sea
The MV Doña Paz and MT Vector collision case clarifies liability rules for common carriers and vessel owners in Philippine maritime law.
Local Autonomy vs Congressional Prerogative: The Shariff Kabunsuan Case
The Supreme Court voids Shariff Kabunsuan's creation, ruling only Congress can create provinces and legislative districts.
Perfecting Appeals: Strict Observance of Timelines in Labor Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court enforces strict appeal deadlines in labor cases and why missing them is fatal to a party's cause.
Dismissal Based on Theft: Upholding Employee Termination for Unauthorized Disposal of Company Property
Supreme Court rules on valid dismissal for theft of company property and the due process requirements in employee termination cases.
Extrajudicial Lease Termination: When a Demand Letter Suffices to End a Lease
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor's demand letter validly terminates a lease and allows extrajudicial repossession.
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.
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.
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.
Reciprocity in Medical Practice: Balancing National Laws and Professional Licensing
The Supreme Court clarifies the reciprocity requirement for foreign doctors in the Philippines, ruling on what evidence suffices under the Medical Act.
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.
Extrajudicial Termination Clauses in Lease Agreements: What the Supreme Court Says
The Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor may validly terminate a lease and repossess property without court action under Philippine law.
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.
Large Scale Illegal Recruitment: Proving Guilt Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Learn how Philippine courts convict illegal recruiters in large scale, the elements of the crime, and the penalties under the Labor Code.
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.
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.