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.
Barangay Conciliation: Why a Settlement Agreement Cannot Replace the Lupon Requirement
Learn from Berba v. Pablo why a barangay settlement with one party does not excuse mandatory conciliation before filing an ejectment suit.
Proving Loss of Trust and Confidence in Illegal Dismissal Cases in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when loss of trust and confidence justifies employee dismissal, and what employers must prove.
Breach of Trust in Banking: Upholding Employee Dismissal for Fraudulent Acts
Supreme Court affirms dismissal of bank employees for fraud, ruling that bank laxity does not excuse employee misconduct and breach of trust.
Breach of Trust Accountability for Mismanaged Court Funds in the Philippine Judiciary
When a clerk of court mishandles fiduciary funds, the Supreme Court imposes strict accountability, even after retirement.
Reopening Inquiry Service Provider Rights and Due Process in Airport Terminal Agreements
Court rules Ombudsman committed grave abuse of discretion in dismissing service operators' complaint without complete preliminary investigation.
Contract to Sell vs. Sale: What Buyers Must Know Under Philippine Law
A buyer who stops paying installments in a contract to sell may lose ownership rights. Learn the key differences and protections.
Family Home Exemption: When Creditors Can Seize Your Property in the Philippines
The family home exemption protects Filipino families from creditors—but not for debts incurred before the home was constituted. Learn the rules.
When Does the Clock Start? Prescription Periods for Hidden Contract Breaches in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies when the prescriptive period begins for hidden breaches of contract, protecting buyers who rely on seller representations.
Breach of Construction Contract: Liability for Additional Works Beyond Original Scope
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on contractor liability for additional works ordered beyond original construction contract scope.
Balancing Employee Rights and Employer Authority in Philippine Termination Procedures
The Supreme Court clarifies the two-notice rule in employee dismissal, balancing employer authority with due process rights.
When Debts Collide: Understanding Legal Compensation in Philippine Contract Law
Learn how Philippine courts apply legal compensation in contract disputes, using the Mavest v. Sampaguita case as a guide.
Equitable Reduction of Penalties When Courts Can Adjust Contractual Damages in the Philippines
Philippine courts can reduce contractual penalties and liquidated damages when they are unconscionable or when the obligation was partly performed.
Urban Land Reform: Right of First Refusal in Priority Development Areas
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on tenants' right of first refusal under P.D. 1517 in urban land reform zones.
Passport Loss Liability: Negligence and Damages in LBC Express v. Ado
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on carrier liability for lost passport, damages rules, and proof requirements in LBC Express v. Ado.
Breach of Contract vs Employer-Employee Dispute: Defining Jurisdiction in Post-Employment Obligations
Supreme Court clarifies when breach of non-compete clauses falls under regular courts, not labor arbiters.
When a Civil Case Can Resolve Inheritance and Property Disputes in the Philippines
Learn when Philippine regular courts, not labor arbiters, have jurisdiction over breach of contract and property disputes.
When One Witness Is Enough: Credibility and Estafa Convictions in Philippine Law
A single credible witness can sustain an estafa conviction. This article explains the rule from Panahon v. People and its practical implications.
Prescription Period for Reconveyance Actions Based on Implied Trusts
Learn when a reconveyance action based on implied trust prescribes—10 years from title issuance, not 4 years from fraud discovery.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Mutuality of Contracts: When One-Sided Termination Clauses in Employment Contracts Are Void
The Supreme Court explains when a termination clause that leaves dismissal to one party's sole judgment violates the mutuality principle under Article 1308 of the Civil Code.
Dual Employment in the Public Sector: When Service Becomes a Violation of Duty
The Supreme Court clarifies when accepting public sector positions and practicing law can violate the Constitution, Civil Service rules, and the lawyer's oath.
Venue Stipulations in Contracts: Limits on Exclusive Venue Clauses
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when exclusive venue stipulations in contracts apply, and when they cannot restrict access to courts.
Rescission of Contract: Balancing Forfeiture Clauses With the Duty to Reimburse
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how rescission under Article 1191 requires mutual restitution, even when forfeiture clauses exist.
The Notary's Oath: Ensuring Document Authenticity and Preventing Legal Falsehoods
Why notarization demands personal appearance: lessons from a lawyer's suspension for notarizing a deed without the seller's presence.