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.
Is 24% Interest Legal in the Philippines? Bacolor v. Banco Filipino Explained
The Supreme Court in Bacolor v. Banco Filipino ruled that a 24% annual interest rate agreed upon in writing is not usurious or unconscionable.
Invalid Summons in Foreclosure: Protecting Due Process Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court rules on invalid summons in foreclosure, due process, and why quasi in rem actions still require proper service.
When Is a Buy-Bust Operation Legal in the Philippines? Key Rules from People v. Nicolas
Philippine courts uphold buy-bust operations as valid drug enforcement, even without prior surveillance. Learn the essential elements and your rights.
Illegal Dismissal in the Philippines: Employee Rights Under the Boundary System
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on jeepney drivers under the boundary system, illegal dismissal, and employee rights to reinstatement and backwages.
Zoning Regulations vs Contractual Obligations: Balancing Public Welfare and Private Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on zoning ordinances, police power, and the non-impairment of contracts clause.
Suspension of Claims Against Corporations Under Rehabilitation: Philippine Law Explained
Learn how corporate rehabilitation suspends all claims, including labor cases, under Philippine law, based on the PAL v. Zamora ruling.
Philippine Wage Orders: The Limits of Regional Wage Board Authority
The Supreme Court rules that regional wage boards cannot grant across-the-board increases to all workers, only minimum wage earners.
Petition for Relief in the Court of Appeals: When Can You Revive a Dismissed Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court explains why the RTC cannot annul a DARAB decision and when the CA can take jurisdiction over a dismissed appeal.
Who Can Question a Bigamous Marriage? Lessons from Amor-Catalan v. Catalan
A Philippine Supreme Court case clarifies who has legal personality to question a bigamous marriage and the need to prove foreign divorce decrees.
Indirect Contempt in the Philippines: Why Proper Procedure Matters in Wage Orders
A look at how the Supreme Court ruled on procedural lapses and the validity of Wage Order No. R02-03 in Metrobank v. NWPC.
Divorce Abroad and Remarriage in the Philippines: Legal Standing in Bigamy Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies who may challenge a bigamous marriage when a foreign divorce is involved, and what evidence is required.
Just Compensation in Agrarian Reform: Land Valuation and Timely Payment
The Supreme Court rules on how agrarian reform lands should be valued and why delayed payment violates the constitutional right to just compensation.
Estate Settlement Venue and Remarriage After Foreign Divorce: Key Philippine Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies estate settlement venue means actual residence, and a Filipino divorced by a foreign spouse may remarry.
Prescription Periods in Labor Disputes: Why Filing on Time and in the Right Court Matters
A Supreme Court ruling on prescription of money claims in labor cases, and why filing in the wrong court can be fatal.
Can an RTC Annul a DARAB Decision? Jurisdiction in Agrarian Disputes
RTCs generally cannot annul DARAB decisions—they are co-equal bodies. Appeals must go to the Court of Appeals.
Substantial Justice Prevails Understanding Motions FOR Extension AND Notice Requirements IN Philippine Appeals
When a defective motion for extension can still save an appeal, and when execution pending appeal is premature in ejectment cases.
Missed Appeal Deadlines Understanding THE Fresh Period Rule IN Philippine Courts
Learn how the fresh period rule in Neypes v. CA changed appeal deadlines in Philippine courts, giving litigants a full 15 days after denial of a motion for reconsideration.
Control Test and Regular Employment: When a Retainer Is Not an Employer-Employee Relationship
The Supreme Court explains when a company doctor under a retainer agreement is not a regular employee under the control test.
Fresh Period Rule for Appeals: The First Aqua Sugar Traders Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that a motion for reconsideration grants litigants a fresh 15-day period to appeal, applying the Neypes doctrine retroactively.
Protecting Government Assets Understanding Exemptions From Execution IN THE Philippines
The Supreme Court clarifies when government funds and properties are exempt from execution, and when judges and sheriffs can be held liable.
Hospital Liability for Doctor Negligence in the Philippines: Corporate Responsibility Explained
When can a Philippine hospital be held liable for a doctor's negligence? The Supreme Court's ruling in Professional Services, Inc. v. Agana clarifies corporate responsibility.
Acts of Lasciviousness as a Lesser Included Offense in Philippine Child Abuse Cases
When rape isn't proven, Philippine courts may convict for acts of lasciviousness under RA 7610. Learn the rules from a landmark case.
Moonlighting and Misconduct: When a Second Job Leads to Legal Trouble in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on loss of trust and confidence as just cause for dismissing managerial employees who engage in misconduct.
Why Courts Must Scrutinize Motions to Withdraw Criminal Cases in the Philippines
The Supreme Court affirms that inordinate delay in preliminary investigation violates an accused's constitutional right to due process and speedy disposition.