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.
Get a cited, plain-language answer from 184,000+ statutes and decisions — free, no sign-up.
Corporate Rehabilitation Appeals: Choosing the Right Remedy Under Philippine Rules
Learn the correct mode of appeal for corporate rehabilitation cases in the Philippines, as clarified by the Supreme Court in Golden Cane v. Steelpro.
The Fine Line When Excuses Don't Excuse Absence in Court
When does a valid excuse justify missing pre-trial? The Supreme Court clarifies when postponements are a privilege, not a right.
Demolition of Illegal Structures on Public Roads: Public Welfare Over Private Interests
Supreme Court rules illegally constructed houses on public roads are nuisances that must be demolished, prioritizing public welfare over private claims.
Demurrer to Evidence and the Prosecution's Burden in Bigamy Cases: Lapira v. Fariscal
The Supreme Court acquits a bigamy accused, clarifying that a void first marriage and rebutted marriage certificates defeat the prosecution's case.
Judge Dismissed for Gross Immorality: Extramarital Affair and the Duty of Judicial Officers
The Supreme Court dismissed a judge for gross immorality over an extramarital affair and child, while suspending him from law practice for three years.
Seafarer's Basketball Injury Held Work-Related: Bunkhouse Rule and Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court rules seafarer's basketball injury on board is work-related under the Bunkhouse Rule and Personal Comfort Doctrine.
Choosing the Right Ejectment Case: Forcible Entry vs. Unlawful Detainer
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between forcible entry and unlawful detainer, and why filing the wrong ejectment case can be fatal to a claim.
Proving Voluntary Resignation: Employer's Burden and the Perils of Forged Documents in Illegal Dismissal Cases
Employers must prove voluntary resignation in illegal dismissal cases. Forged documents won't hold up, as this Supreme Court ruling shows.
Duty to Notify Insurance Beneficiary Rights and Agent Responsibilities in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on insurance beneficiary notification duties, agent responsibilities, and claim deadlines after the insured's death.
Tenant's Redemption Right Requires Consignation of Price in Agrarian Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that tenant redemption of agricultural land requires consignation of the redemption price, even without written notice of sale.
Counsel Negligence and Client Responsibility: When Procedural Dismissals Stand in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a client is bound by counsel's negligence and why dismissal for failure to prosecute is a final, appealable order.
Lawyers Must Return Fees for Incompetent Service: A.C. No. 10543
When a lawyer accepts a case beyond their competence, they must return the full fees paid. The Supreme Court explains the rule on quantum meruit.
Clarifying Derivative Suits: When Can Third-Party Mortgagees Intervene?
The Supreme Court clarifies when a case is truly a derivative suit and whether third-party mortgagees may intervene in such actions.
Probable Cause and Conspiracy in the PDAF Scam: The Reyes v. Ombudsman Ruling
The Supreme Court's 2016 ruling in Reyes v. Ombudsman explains how probable cause and conspiracy work in plunder cases—and why courts rarely disturb the Ombudsman.
Willful Disobedience in the Workplace: When Can an Employee Be Dismissed
Learn when willful disobedience justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law, based on a Supreme Court ruling on a cooperative cashier.
Eyewitness Testimony and Credibility in Robbery Cases: Ensuring Fair Convictions
The Supreme Court affirms that credible eyewitness testimony prevails over denial and alibi in robbery cases, explaining how courts assess witness credibility.
Prescription in Intra-Corporate Disputes: The 15-Day Rule for Election Contests
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that actions to nullify stockholders' meetings and elections are election contests subject to the 15-day prescriptive period.
The Limits of Mandamus in Enforcing Disputed Informer's Rewards
When can a court compel payment of an informer's reward? The Supreme Court clarifies that mandamus only lies for clear, undisputed rights.
Bill of Lading and Carrier Liability: When Delivery Without Surrender Is Allowed
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a carrier may release goods without the original bill of lading, and why the seller's unpaid claim lies against the buyer, not the carrier.
Corporate Control and Stock Ownership: Resolving Disputes in Philippine Corporations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies how stock ownership disputes affect corporate elections and why prior rulings cannot be overstretched.
Upholding Corporate Meeting Validity Proxy Rights AND Timeliness IN Intra Corporate Disputes
Supreme Court rules on proxy rights, notice requirements, and the 15-day prescriptive period for election contests in intra-corporate disputes.
Fixed-Term Contracts: Balancing Employer Flexibility and Employee Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment contracts are valid and do not circumvent security of tenure.
Dismissal of Disbarment Complaint Upholds Independence of Quasi-Judicial Officers
Supreme Court dismisses disbarment complaint against NLRC commissioners, warning against using disciplinary cases to harass adjudicators.
Judicial Approval Makes Compromise Agreements Final and Executory
A compromise agreement approved by the court becomes a final judgment. Annulment is limited to Rule 47 remedies.