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.
Property Transfers in Common-Law Relationships: Navigating Legal Restrictions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on property transfers to common-law spouses, void sales, and conjugal property rules explained.
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.
Railroad Negligence: Defining the Scope of Duty and Liability at Railroad Crossings
Philippine National Railways v. Brunty clarifies railroad crossing safety duties, contributory negligence, and damage awards under Philippine tort law.
Can an Employee Be Denied Retirement Benefits for Breach of Trust?
The Supreme Court rules on whether a bank manager validly dismissed for breach of trust can still claim retirement benefits after his compulsory retirement date had passed.
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.
Breach of Trust Establishing Estafa Through Misappropriated Funds
Explore how failure to remit collected funds constitutes estafa under Article 315(1)(b) of the Revised Penal Code, as ruled in Pucay v. People.
Reinstatement of Union Members: Scope of Labor Secretary's Order in Illegal Strike Cases
Supreme Court clarifies which union members are reinstated under a Labor Secretary's assumption-of-jurisdiction order in illegal strike cases.
Res Judicata Bars Second Nullity Suit on Different Ground
A final denial of a marriage nullity petition bars a second suit, even on a different ground like lack of marriage license.
Falsification of Public Documents: When Collective Signatures Do Not Equal Collective Guilt
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies individual criminal liability for falsification of public documents in collective decision-making bodies like the PBAC.
Death Penalty Abolition Impact on Penalties for Attempted Crimes in the Philippines
How R.A. 9346 changed penalties for attempted qualified rape—explained through People v. Bon, including the reclusion temporal ruling.
When a Waiver Revives Rights: Property Disputes and Quitclaims in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that a default order in land registration cases does not bar the government from appealing, and explains the limits of waiver in property disputes.
Legality of Buy-Bust Operations in Philippine Drug Cases: An In-Depth Analysis
The Supreme Court affirms buy-bust operations as lawful entrapment in drug cases, clarifying penalties under RA 9165 regardless of drug quantity.
Constructive Dismissal When Employer Actions Force Employee Resignation
Understand constructive dismissal in Philippine labor law, when employer actions force resignation, and the burden of proof on employers.
Docket Fees and Dismissal: Balancing Procedural Rules With Substantial Justice
The Supreme Court affirms that appellate courts may relax procedural rules on briefs to serve substantial justice, not strict technicality.
Balancing Property Rights and Law Enforcement: The Release of Seized Goods in Intellectual Property Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the release of seized goods in IP cases, balancing property rights and law enforcement.
Acquisitive Prescription and Laches in Property Disputes: Aguirre v. Heirs of Villanueva
Learn how the Supreme Court applied ordinary acquisitive prescription and laches in a property dispute between heirs and buyers.
Intent to Kill vs Intent to Rob: Distinguishing Murder From Robbery With Homicide in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a killing is murder, not robbery with homicide, based on the accused's intent.
Certification Against Forum Shopping: Why the Principal Party Must Sign and When Courts Relax the Rule
Philippine courts require the principal party to sign the certification against forum shopping. Learn the rule, its exceptions, and practical lessons from Abaigar v. Abaigar.
Good Faith Mortgage vs Forged Title: Protecting the True Property Owner's Rights
Can a bank keep a mortgage on property bought through a forged deed? The Supreme Court clarifies the true owner's remedies.
Legislative Inquiry vs Executive Privilege: The PCGG Testimony Case
The Supreme Court ruled PCGG officials must testify before Senate inquiries, striking down Section 4(b) of E.O. No. 1 as unconstitutional.
When Judges Must Step Aside: The Duty of Inhibition and Judicial Conduct in the Philippines
A Supreme Court ruling on when judges must inhibit from cases, avoid impropriety, and the limits of judicial conduct.
Business Closure in the Philippines: Navigating Layoffs and Employee Rights During Financial Distress
Learn the rules on business closure in the Philippines, including separation pay, notice requirements, and employee rights when a company shuts down due to losses.
Consolidation of Cases: Efficiency and Prevention of Conflicting Judgments
Philippine Supreme Court explains when courts may consolidate related cases to avoid conflicting judgments, save time, and promote swift justice.
Protecting Subdivision Buyers: Contracts to Sell Must Be Registered
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that subdivision developers must register contracts to sell with the Register of Deeds under P.D. 957.