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.
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).
Hidden Defects and Time Limits: Understanding Warranty Claims in the Philippines
Learn the prescriptive periods for implied warranty claims in the Philippines, from the Civil Code and Consumer Act, explained simply.
Mandatory Arbitration Prevails: Contractual Disputes Must Go to Arbitration First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling: when a contract has a mandatory arbitration clause, parties must arbitrate before going to court.
When a Missing Marriage License Doesn't Void a Marriage: Sevilla v. Cardenas
The Supreme Court explains when a missing marriage license does not automatically make a marriage void, and why proof matters.
Common Carrier Liability in the Philippines: Breach of Contract of Carriage Explained
Philippine common carriers face a presumption of negligence when passengers are injured or killed. Learn the rules and how to rebut them.
Donations to Unregistered Organizations in the Philippines: When Are They Valid?
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on donations to unregistered organizations: why juridical personality matters and what donors and groups must know.
SEC Cease and Desist Orders: When Regulatory Action Violates Due Process
The Supreme Court ruled the SEC acted with grave abuse of discretion by issuing a cease and desist order without proper investigation.
Ombudsman Jurisdiction Over GOCCs: The Original Charter Requirement
The Supreme Court limits Ombudsman jurisdiction over GOCCs to those with original charters, not corporations merely acquired by government.
Usury Law and Contractual Obligations: Striking the Balance in Loan Agreements
The Supreme Court clarifies how the Usury Law interacts with loan restructuring, refinancing, and the binding force of contracts in DBP v. CA.
Fraud Voids Donations: Protecting Consent in Property Transfers
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how fraud and misrepresentation invalidate donations, protecting illiterate donors' consent in property transfers.
Deficiency Judgments in Philippine Foreclosure: Can Banks Recover More After Auction?
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks can collect deficiency after extrajudicial foreclosure of real estate mortgages.
Equitable Mortgage vs Absolute Sale: What Philippine Courts Look For
When is a deed of sale really a mortgage? The Supreme Court explains the rules on equitable mortgage in Cirelos v. Hernandez.
Demand NOT Always Needed When Philippine Banks CAN Foreclose Without Prior Notice
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks may foreclose without prior demand, and limits on preliminary injunctions against foreclosure.
Regular Employment Status: When a Probationary Employee Becomes Regular
Understand when a probationary employee becomes regular under Philippine law, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Dusit Hotel Nikko v. Gatbonton.
Exhausting Administrative Remedies with the COA: A Prerequisite for Money Claims Against Government Agencies
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that money claims against government agencies must first be filed with the COA before going to court.
Documentary Stamp Tax on Pawnshop Pledges: A Clear Guide
The Supreme Court confirms pawnshop pledges are subject to documentary stamp tax under the National Internal Revenue Code. Learn the rules.
DARAB Jurisdiction Covers Agrarian Disputes Beyond Landlord-Tenant Relationships
Supreme Court clarifies DARAB jurisdiction extends to all agrarian disputes, including joint production agreements under CARP, not just traditional landlord-tenant cases.
Boundary-Hulog Agreements and Employer-Employee Relations: What Drivers Should Know
A boundary-hulog agreement does not automatically erase the employer-employee relationship. Control over the driver remains the key test.
Mortgage Still Valid Loan Restructuring AND Novation IN THE Philippines Reyes V BPI Family Savings Bank
When does loan restructuring cancel a real estate mortgage? The Supreme Court explains novation rules in Reyes v. BPI Family Savings Bank.
Simulated Contracts in the Philippines: Intent, Validity, and the Valerio Case
Learn how Philippine courts decide simulated contracts by examining party intent, absolute vs. relative simulation, and the Valerio ruling.
Second Marriages and SSS Death Benefits: Why Court Decisions Matter
The Supreme Court rules on whether the SSS can disregard a court declaration of presumptive death when awarding death benefits.
Quasi-Delict Damages and Court Jurisdiction: Filing in the Right Philippine Court
Learn how Philippine courts determine jurisdiction in quasi-delict damage claims, based on the Supreme Court ruling in Iniego v. Purganan.
Proving Work-Related Illness in the Philippines: When Is Diabetes Compensable
Diabetes is not automatically compensable under Philippine law. A Supreme Court ruling shows what proof claimants must present.
Attorney Accountability Understanding Lawyer Negligence AND Upholding Client Trust IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court suspends lawyer for gross negligence, explaining counsel's duties of fidelity, diligence, and proper withdrawal under the Code of Professional Responsibility.