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.
Construction Subcontractor Rights: Ensuring Timely Payment in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts protect subcontractors' right to timely payment, even when a general contractor claims financial difficulty.
Venue Is Key: Why Your Libel Case Might Be Dismissed Before It Even Starts in the Philippines
Learn how Philippine courts determine venue in estate cases, and why filing in the wrong place can get your case dismissed early.
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.
Writ of Possession in Land Registration: Protecting Actual Possessors' Rights in the Philippines
Explain when courts may issue a writ of possession in land registration cases and why actual possessors under claim of ownership are protected.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Partial Signatures Full Liability Understanding Contracts To Sell CO Owned Property IN THE Philippines
Learn when a contract to sell co-owned property binds all owners, even with only some signatures, under Philippine law.
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.
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.
Failure to Pay Appeal Docket Fees: When Courts May Reinstate an Appeal
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that failure to pay appeal docket fees does not automatically dismiss an appeal; courts have discretion to reinstate.
Foreclosure vs Corporate Rehabilitation: Why Timing Is Key in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how prior foreclosure affects corporate rehabilitation petitions and the proper remedy for dismissal orders.
Victim Testimony in Rape Cases: Why Philippine Courts Prioritize a Child's Voice
Philippine courts rely heavily on a child rape victim's credible testimony. Learn the rules from People v. Batiancila.
Protecting Your Property Investments Understanding Grace Periods AND Cancellation IN Philippine Real Estate Co
Learn how Philippine law protects real estate buyers on installment, including grace periods, cancellation rules, and cash surrender value rights under RA 6552.
Charged With A Major Crime Philippine Law on Lesser Offenses Explained
Learn how Philippine courts treat charges for election offenses, the importance of the information's factual recital, and the rules on appeals.