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.
Lawyer Reprimanded for Losing Client Trust: Fidelity Lessons from Curimatmat v. Gojar
A lawyer's duty of fidelity means keeping clients informed and appealing on time. The Supreme Court's reprimand in Curimatmat v. Gojar explains why.
Reasonable Attorneys Fees in the Philippines: Understanding Quantum Meruit
Learn how Philippine courts determine reasonable attorney's fees under quantum meruit, with key rules from Pimentel v. Court of Appeals.
Understanding Contracts of Sale vs Contracts to Sell in Philippine Property Law
Learn the key differences between contracts of sale and contracts to sell under Philippine law, and why the distinction matters for property buyers and sellers.
Land Ownership in the Philippines: Why Possession Isn't Always Nine Tenths of the Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when lengthy possession of public land cannot ripen into private ownership, and why free patents prevail.
Reopening a Criminal Case: When Courts Abuse Discretion in the Philippines
The Supreme Court nullified the Sandiganbayan's reopening of a criminal case against Miriam Defensor Santiago, ruling it was grave abuse of discretion.
When Courts May Reopen a Criminal Case After Evidence Is Closed
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a trial court may reopen a criminal case after the parties have rested, and the limits of that discretion.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: Why Non-Compliance with Court Orders Can Lead to Imprisonment
Probation is a privilege, not a right. Learn how ignoring court orders can lead to revocation and imprisonment in the Philippines.
When Managerial Discretion Becomes Defiance: Willful Disobedience in Philippine Labor Law
Explore when a manager's independent judgment crosses the line into willful disobedience, a valid ground for dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Missed Appeal Deadlines in the Philippines: Strict Rules, Rare Exceptions
Philippine courts strictly enforce the 15-day appeal period. Missing it can end a case, with only truly exceptional circumstances excusing delay.
Conditional Land Donations in the Philippines: Reversion Rights and Valid Sales
When a conditional land donation fails, when can the donor validly sell the property? The Supreme Court explains reversion rights.
Date Discrepancies in Rape Cases: When an Information Remains Valid in Philippine Law
Philippine courts allow minor date discrepancies in rape informations if the accused is not prejudiced. Learn the rule from People v. Bugayong.
Voluntary Resignation vs. Constructive Dismissal: When Management Prerogative Is Not Harassment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's resignation is voluntary, and why management directives are not necessarily harassment.
Client Liability Clarified: Solidary Responsibility for Agency Workers
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client-employer is solidarily liable for agency workers' claims, distinguishing back wages from service incentive leave pay.
Missed Deadlines Dismissed Appeals Why Timely Docket Fee Payment Is Non Negotiable in Philippine Courts
The Supreme Court clarifies that unpaid docket fees on increased claims become a lien on judgment, and actual damages need competent proof.
Floating Status or Illegal Dismissal: Security Guard Rights in the Philippines
When does a security guard's off-detail become illegal dismissal? The Supreme Court explains the six-month floating status rule and employee rights.
Employee vs Independent Contractor: The Control Test in Philippine Labor Law (Ushio Marketing Case)
The Ushio Marketing case clarifies the control test for determining employer-employee relationships in Philippine labor law.
Security of Tenure for Tenant Farmers: Upholding Leasehold Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court reaffirmed tenant farmers' security of tenure, ruling that land sale does not extinguish agricultural leasehold rights.
Public Land vs Private Ownership in the Philippines: Land Classification and Acquisition
Understand how Philippine law distinguishes public land from private property, and the rules on classification and acquisition.
Missed Pre-Trial and Default Orders: What Victory Liner v. Viron Means for Businesses
Philippine Supreme Court explains when missing a pre-trial can lead to default orders and why businesses must ensure proper representation.
When Employee Criticism Becomes Illegal Dismissal: The Open Letter Case
Philippine Supreme Court rules on when employee expression is protected and when dismissal for misconduct is illegal.
Solidary Liability for Security Guard Wages: Employer Obligations in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when companies are solidarily liable for security agency employees' wages, back pay, and separation pay.
Preliminary Investigation as a Substantive Right: The Duterte v. Sandiganbayan Doctrine
The right to preliminary investigation is substantive, not a mere formality. Duterte v. Sandiganbayan shows how its violation can void criminal charges.
Free Patent Restrictions: Can Leasing or Mortgaging Your Land Cause Reversion to the State?
Learn when leasing or mortgaging free patent land can void your title and cause reversion to the State.
Lis Pendens in the Philippines: When a Defendant Can Protect Property Rights
Learn when a defendant can register a notice of lis pendens in the Philippines, even without a registered title, based on a Supreme Court ruling.