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.
Meralco Billing Dispute: Tax Credit Assignments and Tampered Meter Claims
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's interest charges on tax credit assignments and differential billing for alleged meter tampering.
The Power of Corroborating Evidence: How Philippine Courts Assess Witness Testimony
Philippine courts weigh witness testimony against physical evidence and corroboration. Learn the rules from the Larrañaga (Chiong sisters) case.
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.
Customs Search vs Unlawful Seizure: Limits of Airport Security
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on warrantless customs searches at airports, balancing constitutional rights against anti-smuggling enforcement.
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.
Jurisdiction Clarified When Regular Courts Handle Property Disputes Despite Developer Status
When do regular courts, not HLURB, hear property disputes? The Supreme Court clarifies jurisdiction rules in Lacson Hermanas v. Heirs of Ignacio.
Timely Notice IS KEY Understanding Carrier Liability IN Damaged Goods Claims Under THE Code OF Commerce
When cargo arrives damaged, the clock starts ticking. Learn how Article 366 of the Code of Commerce can bar a claim entirely if notice is late.
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.
Assessed Value vs Market Value: Key to Court Jurisdiction in Property Disputes
Philippine courts decide jurisdiction over property cases by assessed value, not market value. Learn the rule from Hilario v. Salvador.
Common Carrier Liability: Negligence and Fortuitous Events in Cargo Loss
When cargo is lost at sea, who pays? Philippine law on common carriers, negligence, and the act of God defense explained.
MMDA Traffic Enforcement Powers vs Police Power: Key Limits Under RA 7924
Supreme Court clarifies MMDA's traffic enforcement powers: it can enforce but not enact traffic rules, and lacks police power.
Usufruct Rights and Survey Authority: Determining Land Boundaries in NHA v. Court of Appeals
A look at how the Supreme Court resolved conflicting surveys over a seven-hectare usufruct, and the rules on boundary determination.
Dismissal for Dishonesty: Upholding Integrity in the Philippine Judiciary
A Court of Appeals employee who solicited P1 million for a favorable decision was dismissed. The Supreme Court reaffirms strict standards for court personnel.
Venue Stipulations in Promissory Notes Extend to Surety Agreements
When a promissory note fixes an exclusive venue, that stipulation binds the surety agreement supporting it, the Supreme Court rules.
Safeguarding Journalistic Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Discourse
Philippine law on libel and actual malice explained, with practical guidance for journalists, media practitioners, and public commentators.
Psychological Incapacity and Marital Damages: Reconciling Grounds for Nullity and Liability
Explains why damages cannot be awarded when a spouse's acts stem from psychological incapacity, and how property is divided in void marriages.
Supreme Court Upholds PNP Officer’s Dismissal for Grave Misconduct Under RA 6975
SC ruling on PNP summary dismissal powers, grave misconduct, and procedural rules in police administrative cases under RA 6975.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.
Libel Venue: Where Does the Case Belong Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies libel venue rules under Article 360, RPC—where to file cases and why allegations matter.
Unlawful Detainer: A Tenant's Admissions and the Inevitable Ejectment
In Mendoza v. Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court ruled that a tenant's own admissions in pleadings can seal an ejectment case.
Extortion in the Judiciary: Dismissal for Grave Misconduct and Betrayal of Public Trust
Court personnel who collect money from litigants face dismissal for grave misconduct, even if they claim it was for safekeeping.
Sheriff's Duty in Execution: Third-Party Claims and the Limits of Discretion
A sheriff who levies property must honor third-party claims and court orders staying execution. The Supreme Court clarifies the limits of a sheriff's discretion.
Perfecting Appeals: The Crucial Difference Between Single and Multiple Judgments in Philippine Law
Learn when a record on appeal is required in Philippine civil procedure, and why missing this step can cost you your appeal.
Constructive Dismissal: The Employer's Duty to Offer Reasonable Assignments
When a security guard was left without assignments for months after his post ended, the Supreme Court ruled this constituted constructive dismissal.