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.
Seafarer Disability Benefits: The 120/240-Day Rule on Medical Assessments
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a seafarer's disability is deemed permanent and total due to delayed medical assessments by company-designated physicians.
Late Judicial Affidavits in Philippine Courts: When Late Submission Is Allowed
Learn when Philippine courts may allow late judicial affidavit submission under the Judicial Affidavit Rule, citing Say v. Dizon.
Writ of Possession in Philippine Foreclosures: Finality and the Lessons from HH & Co. v. Perlas
Learn when a writ of possession becomes final and executory in Philippine foreclosures, and why courts rarely recall it, based on HH & Co. v. Perlas.
Child Abuse Under RA 7610: Intent as the Key Element
The Supreme Court clarifies that intent to debase or degrade is essential to prove child abuse under RA 7610.
Conditional Sales and Default: When Unpaid Balances Void Property Claims
A buyer who fails to pay the balance in a contract to sell loses rights to the property, as the Supreme Court affirmed in Mandin-Trotin v. Bongo.
Reassignment vs. Transfer: What Public School Teachers Should Know
The Supreme Court clarifies when a public school teacher can be reassigned without consent, and how security of tenure applies.
Late Evidence and the Judicial Affidavit Rule: Lara's Gift v. PNB General Insurers
The Supreme Court clarifies when trial courts may admit late evidence and supplemental judicial affidavits under the Judicial Affidavit Rule.
Sales Commissions Are Wages: Supreme Court Ruling on Unpaid Commissions and Unauthorized Deductions
Sales commissions are wages under Philippine law. Learn what the Supreme Court ruled on unpaid commissions and unauthorized car plan deductions.
Spousal Consent in Property Sales: Why a Sale Without Written Consent Is Void
Selling conjugal property without the other spouse's written consent is void under Philippine law. Learn the rules and buyer protections.
Practicing Law While Suspended: No Automatic Return After Suspension Period
A lawyer suspended from practice cannot resume work until the Court formally lifts the suspension — even if the suspension period has already ended.
Procuring Cause: When Real Estate Brokers Earn Their Commission
Learn when a real estate broker earns a commission under Philippine law, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Ticong v. Malim.
Third-Party Claims in Property Execution: PSALM v. Maunlad Homes Explained
Learn how Philippine law protects third-party property owners from wrongful levy during judgment execution, based on PSALM v. Maunlad Homes.
Conditional Sales vs. Adverse Claims: Protecting Property Interests in the Philippines
Learn how the Supreme Court in Logarta v. Mangahis distinguishes conditional sales from adverse claims, and the proper registration rules under PD 1529.
Voluntary vs. Involuntary Dealings: How to Register Property Agreements in the Philippines
Learn the difference between voluntary and involuntary dealings under Philippine property law, and why registering a conditional sale as an adverse claim can be a costly mistake.
Reinstatement Orders of Voluntary Arbitrators Are Immediately Executory—Even Pending Appeal
The Supreme Court confirms that reinstatement orders by Voluntary Arbitrators are immediately executory, even pending appeal, protecting workers' security of tenure.
Co-Ownership and Land Sales: When Selling a Definite Portion Is Invalid
A co-owner cannot sell a definite portion of undivided land without all co-owners' consent. Learn the rules from Cabrera v. Ysaac.
Annulment of Judgment vs. Affidavit of Reappearance: Fraudulent Presumptive Death Declarations
When a presumptive death declaration is obtained by fraud, the Supreme Court clarifies why annulment of judgment—not an affidavit of reappearance—is the proper remedy.
No-Build Zones and National Permits: What Aquino v. Malay Means for Developers
The Supreme Court ruled that a DENR permit does not override local no-build zone ordinances. Here's what developers must know.
Vehicle Accidents and Utility Posts: Liability Under Philippine Law
Learn how Philippine courts determine liability when a vehicle damages utility infrastructure, including negligence, vicarious liability, and damages.
Probation Revocation in the Philippines: New Offenses and Due Process
Learn when Philippine courts can revoke probation for a new offense, and what due process requires in revocation proceedings.
Probationary Teacher Rights in the Philippines: Non-Renewal and Security of Tenure
When can a private school validly refuse to renew a probationary teacher's contract? The Supreme Court's ruling in St. Paul College vs. Ancheta explains.
Employer’s Subsidiary Liability for Employee Crimes: The Calang Ruling
Employers are only subsidiarily liable for employees’ criminal acts. The Calang ruling explains when and how this liability applies.
Managerial Employees and Overtime Pay in the Philippines: The Clientlogic Case
Who counts as a managerial employee exempt from overtime pay? The Supreme Court's Clientlogic ruling clarifies the test.
Bigamy in the Philippines: When a Second Marriage Is Void From the Start
Philippine law voids any second marriage contracted while a prior civil marriage subsists. Learn the rules, limits of Muslim divorce, and who may sue.