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.
Defining Obscenity in Philippine Law: Liability for Immoral Publications
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine law defines obscenity and who may be held liable for selling or exhibiting pornographic materials.
Debt Recovery Gone Wrong Understanding Abuse of Rights in Property Repossession Uypitching vs Quiamco
Explore abuse of rights in debt recovery and property repossession through the Supreme Court ruling in Uypitching vs Quiamco.
Lost Your Labor Case Appeal? The Supreme Court on Mandatory Appeal Bonds
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on why employers must post an appeal bond to perfect a labor appeal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Proving Land Ownership in the Philippines: The June 12, 1945 Rule in Land Registration
Philippine land registration requires proof of possession since June 12, 1945. Learn the rules and the key case of Republic v. Carrasco.
Willful Failure to Pay Just Debts: Disciplinary Risks for Philippine Government Employees
Philippine public servants can face administrative discipline for willful failure to pay just debts, even after settlement. Learn the rules and risks.
Rescission Rights in Pacto de Retro Sales: When Can a Seller Reclaim Property
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seller can rescind a pacto de retro sale and reclaim property from a defaulting buyer.
Quashing an Information: Limits on Amendment and Filing New Charges in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a quashed information can be amended or refiled, explained in plain language.
DOLE Philippines v. Esteva: Labor-Only Contracting and Regular Employment Rights
Supreme Court ruling on labor-only contracting, regular employment, and employer liability in DOLE Philippines v. Esteva (G.R. No. 161115).
Judge Fined P21,000 for Gross Ignorance in Issuing Injunction Without Hearing
Supreme Court fines judge P21,000 for granting TRO extension and preliminary injunction without the mandatory summary hearing under Rule 58.
Judicial Efficiency vs Due Process: Balancing Speed and Fairness in Case Resolution
A sheriff's failure to implement a writ shows how judicial efficiency and due process must be balanced in Philippine courts.
Government Incentives When Must Employees Repay Disallowed Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when government employees must refund disallowed incentive benefits, distinguishing good faith recipients from approving officers.
Falsifying Time Records in Public Service: A Path to Dishonesty Charges
Learn how falsifying time records leads to dishonesty charges in Philippine public service, based on a Supreme Court ruling.
Timber License vs Contract: DENR Authority Over Forest Resources
Supreme Court ruling on whether a timber license agreement and presidential warranty create vested rights against DENR's regulatory authority over forest resources.
Novation and Insurance Claims: Contractual Obligations in Secured Transactions
When a mortgaged car is carnapped, does insurance payment extinguish the loan? The Supreme Court clarifies novation rules.
Conjugal Partnership and Surety Agreements: When a Spouse's Guaranty Does Not Bind the Family
When a husband signs a surety agreement for a third party, the conjugal partnership is not automatically liable. Here's why.
Malicious Prosecution in Estafa Cases: When a Criminal Complaint Becomes a Tort
The Supreme Court clarifies when filing an estafa complaint without probable cause constitutes malicious prosecution, making the complainant liable for damages.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
OFW Illegal Dismissal Claims and Forged Documents: Key Lessons from G & M Philippines v. Cuambot
The Supreme Court explains how forged payslips and resignation letters affect OFW illegal dismissal claims, and why doubts are resolved in favor of labor.
When Can a Prosecutor Dismiss Cases Without Ombudsman Approval? Soriano v. Marcelo
The Supreme Court clarifies when city prosecutors may dismiss cases against public officers without Ombudsman approval, and what constitutes grave abuse of discretion.
Co-Owner's Sale of Undivided Share: When a Second Sale Is Void
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on co-ownership, double sale, and reconveyance actions. Learn the rules on land titles and fraud.
Divorce Abroad and Remarrying in the Philippines After a Spouse's Foreign Naturalization
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies rules on divorce abroad, foreign naturalization, and remarriage in the Philippines under the Family Code.
Lease Extension Balancing Landlord Rights and Tenant Long-Term Occupancy
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when courts may extend a lease under Article 1687 and how to compute reasonable rent after expiration.
When Court Errors Are Judicial, Not Administrative: The Tallado Administrative Case
The Supreme Court clarifies that judges' alleged errors in issuing TROs are judicial matters, not grounds for administrative discipline absent bad faith.
Constructive Dismissal: When Employee Transfers Become Unfair Labor Practices
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a management transfer becomes constructive dismissal and unfair labor practice.