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.
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Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: Defining the Scope of Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bus company is liable for a passenger's death caused by a co-passenger, distinguishing extraordinary diligence from ordinary care.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Strict Compliance Required in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations requires strict compliance with Rule 14, Section 11, listing only specific officers.
Ombudsman's Disciplinary Decisions Are Immediately Executory: Key Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court confirms Ombudsman disciplinary decisions are immediately executory; courts cannot block their implementation.
Prior Possession Prevails: Protecting Possessory Rights in Forcible Entry Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies that prior physical possession, not ownership, decides forcible entry cases, protecting occupants from unlawful ejection.
When Can One Court Interfere With Another's Decisions? The Rule on Judicial Non-Interference
The Supreme Court explains why a Regional Trial Court cannot restrain the execution of an Ombudsman's decision in disciplinary cases.
Inducement in Homicide: When Words Lead to Criminal Liability
Explaining the Supreme Court's ruling in Ambagan v. People on when spoken words can make a person liable as principal by inducement in homicide.
Certiorari and Finality: When Courts Can Still Modify NLRC Decisions
The Supreme Court clarifies that a timely Rule 65 petition prevents an NLRC decision from becoming final and executory, allowing appellate modification.
Workers' Right to Self-Organization: When a Workers' Association Is Valid Despite Employer Objections
Supreme Court clarifies that workers with definite employers may form workers' associations for mutual aid, not just unions for collective bargaining.
Reinstatement Orders of Voluntary Arbitrators Are Immediately Executory—Even Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court confirms that reinstatement orders by Voluntary Arbitrators are immediately executory, even pending appeal, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is Not the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is truly independent, shielding the principal from employer liability.
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Forcible Entry, Heir Substitution, and Judgment Immutability in Property Disputes
When can heirs substitute a deceased party in a forcible entry case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judgment immutability.
B P 22 and Estate Liability Ensuring Debtors Obligations Extend Beyond Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 and estate liability, clarifying that a debtor's obligation survives death and may be enforced against the estate.
Upholding Civil Liability: Death Does Not Erase Debt in B.P. 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for B.P. 22 does not extinguish civil liability, which survives the offender's death.
Breach of Contract of Carriage: When Bad Faith Is Needed for Moral Damages
Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable in breach of contract of carriage cases, requiring bad faith or fraud by the carrier.
Flight Delay Liability: Fortuitous Events and Bad Faith in Breach of Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when airlines are liable for flight delays—fortuitous events and bad faith explained.
When Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
When a Carrier's Delay Is a Fortuitous Event: Moral Damages in Breach of Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable for breach of contract of carriage and why a typhoon-caused delay absolved Northwest Airlines.
Injunctions Protecting Rights Upholding Due Process and Ensuring Fair Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court dismisses a direct challenge to Iloilo City's real property tax ordinance, reaffirming the need to exhaust administrative remedies and observe the hierarchy of courts.
Treachery and Eyewitness Testimony: Conviction for Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification and treachery, rejecting alibi defenses.
Motion for Reconsideration: When Strict Compliance Is Not Required in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for reconsideration before the NLRC may be excused before filing certiorari.
Right to Top in Government Asset Sales: The Osmeña v. PSALM Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when "right to top" provisions in government lease contracts violate public policy on competitive bidding.
Supreme Court Voids 'Right to Top' Clause in Government Asset Sale: Osmeña v. PSALM
The Supreme Court invalidated a 'right to top' provision in a government land lease, reaffirming that competitive public bidding protects public interest.