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.
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Contractual Negligence: Defining the Scope of Liability in Service Agreements
A Supreme Court ruling on surety bonds clarifies when a contractor's breach triggers full liability, and how compensation applies.
Lack of Price Certainty: How Indefinite Terms Can Invalidate a Real Estate Sale
Indefinite terms like an uncertain price can void a real estate sale. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Rehabilitation Denied: The Imperative of Financial Viability in Corporate Recovery
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that corporate rehabilitation requires proven financial viability, not just creditor payment delays.
Historical Truth vs National Reconciliation: The Supreme Court Ruling on Marcos' Libingan ng mga Bayani Burial
The Supreme Court upheld President Duterte's decision to bury Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, ruling it a political question beyond judicial review.
When Banks Can Refuse Payment: B.P. 22 and Bank Closure in Cu v. SB Corp.
Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 liability when a bank is closed by the Monetary Board and placed under PDIC receivership.
Barangay Conciliation Residency Requirements FOR Filing Court Cases IN THE Philippines
Understand the residency requirements for barangay conciliation before filing court cases in the Philippines, explained through a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Eminent Domain and Just Compensation: Valuing Property at the Time of Taking
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that just compensation for expropriated property is valued at the time of taking, not when the complaint is filed.
Upholding Notarial Duties: Consequences for Negligence in Document Notarization
A notary's failure to verify documents and record notarizations leads to commission revocation and disqualification in this Philippine Supreme Court ruling.
Judicial Conduct: Moral Integrity and Public Trust in the Judiciary
A Supreme Court ruling on dismissing a judge for immorality and gross misconduct, reaffirming that judges must uphold moral integrity.
Unlawful Detainer Jurisdiction: How Complaint Allegations Determine Ejectment Cases
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how complaint allegations, not defenses, determine jurisdiction in unlawful detainer and ejectment cases.
Optional Retirement: Employer Consent Is Key to Benefit Entitlement
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on optional retirement and the crucial role of employer consent in entitlement to retirement benefits.
Upholding Local Authority When Business Permits AND Public Welfare Collide
Supreme Court ruling on when local governments may validly withhold permits and shut down businesses for sanitation violations.
Protecting Press Freedom: Actual Malice and Libel in Public Interest Reporting
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling on actual malice, qualified privilege, and libel in reporting on public officials' conduct.
Traffic Violations and Negligence: When Driving on the Wrong Lane Determines Liability in Collisions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how traffic violations like wrong-lane driving establish negligence and liability in vehicle collisions.
Treachery Defined: The Element of Surprise in Philippine Murder Law
A Supreme Court ruling explains what makes a killing treacherous under Philippine law—and why sudden, unexpected attacks qualify as murder.
Upholding Workers Rights Wage Increases AND Unfair Labor Practices IN Collective Bargaining
A Supreme Court ruling explains when a wage increase outside a CBA is demandable, and how employers' waiver schemes constitute unfair labor practice.
Co-Ownership and Land Registration: Who Keeps the Owner’s Duplicate Title?
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a buyer of an undivided co-owned land must surrender the owner’s duplicate certificate of title to the co-owners.
Upholding Land Ownership After Fraudulent Free Patents and the Right to Reclaim Property
A Supreme Court ruling explains when builders on land they do not own are presumed in good faith, and why the landowner must choose between buying the house or selling the land.
When Is a Seafarer Entitled to Total Disability Benefits: A Guide to Maritime Claims
Learn when a seafarer may claim permanent total disability benefits under the POEA contract, based on a 2017 Supreme Court ruling.
Conspiracy and Rape: When Bystanders Become Co-Principals in Group Sexual Assault
Explaining the Supreme Court ruling that a person who aids or abets rape through acts like recording or preventing rescue can be liable as a co-principal.
Self-Defense vs. Retaliation: When Justification Turns to Murder in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a plea of self-defense fails and becomes retaliation, leading to murder convictions.
Entrapment vs Instigation: How Philippine Courts Treat Buy-Bust Operations
A Supreme Court ruling in a Cebu buy-bust case explains why presenting the police informant is not required and how chain of custody is weighed in drug cases.
Right of Way vs Just Compensation: Property Disputes in Infrastructure Projects
When government projects use private land, a pre-existing right of way can bar compensation claims. Learn the rules from a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Mortgage Foreclosure Upholding Contractual Notice AND Loan Coverage Requirements
Supreme Court ruling on forged SPA in mortgage foreclosure, requiring lenders to verify authority and giving borrowers protection.