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.
Mortgage Foreclosure and Prescription in the Philippines: Key Lessons from a Landmark Case
Learn how prescription periods affect mortgage foreclosure in the Philippines, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Active Wood Products v. State Investment House.
Limits of University Board Powers: Disallowed Benefits and Good Faith
Supreme Court clarifies when university boards exceed their powers in granting benefits, and when good faith excuses refund liability.
Corporate Rehabilitation and Conservatorship: Key Insights from the CAP Pension Ruling
The Supreme Court clarifies the boundaries between corporate rehabilitation and conservatorship, and the limits of a rehabilitation court's jurisdiction over subsidiary corporations.
Lawyer Negligence: The Consequences of Failing to File Court Documents on Time
A lawyer's failure to file court documents on time can lead to disbarment. Learn from a Supreme Court case on attorney negligence.
Balancing Procedural Rules and Substantive Justice in Criminal Appeals
The Supreme Court recalls an entry of judgment and reinstates a drug conviction appeal, showing when procedural lapses yield to substantive justice.
Illegal Dismissal and Union Busting: What SPC Power v. Santos Teaches Employers
The Supreme Court explains when dismissal becomes illegal, focusing on union busting and the employer's burden of proof in termination cases.
The 60-Day Rule on Suspension of Arraignment: A Philippine Supreme Court Case Insight
Learn how the 60-day limit on suspending arraignment under Rule 116 protects the right to speedy trial, explained through a 2020 Supreme Court ruling.
Extrajudicial Ejectment in Philippine Leases: What the CJH v. Aniceto Ruling Means
The Supreme Court clarifies when extrajudicial ejectment clauses in lease agreements are valid and enforceable in the Philippines.
Understanding Administrative Liability in Law Enforcement Raids: Lessons From a Landmark Case
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when judges face administrative liability for delayed decisions, offering lessons on accountability in the justice system.
Upholding Ethical Conduct Lawyers Responsibility Beyond Professional Capacity
A lawyer's duty to a client does not end with accepting a case. The Supreme Court reminds lawyers of their ethical obligations in this disciplinary case.
Deed Restrictions CAN Homeowners Associations Extend Their Term
Can homeowners associations extend deed restrictions beyond their original term? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on extending deed restrictions.
Disbarment for Disrespect: Upholding Judicial Authority and Ethical Conduct in the Legal Profession
The Supreme Court disbarred a lawyer for repeated abuse of court processes, dilatory tactics, and disrespect toward a Court of Appeals justice.
Ante-Nuptial Agreements and Property Waivers: The Delgado v. GQ Realty Case
The Supreme Court's ruling in Delgado v. GQ Realty clarifies how ante-nuptial agreements can waive property rights, even for assets registered under a spouse's family corporation.
Environmental Advocacy and the Attorney's Duty When Fisherfolk Voices Clash in the West Philippine Sea
How lawyers can ethically navigate environmental advocacy when fisherfolk voices clash in the West Philippine Sea.
Probable Cause vs Due Process: Independent Judicial Assessment in Arrest Warrant Issuance
The Supreme Court clarifies the distinction between executive and judicial probable cause in arrest warrant issuance, and the limits of due process in preliminary investigation.
Seafarers' Rights: When Late Disability Assessments Mean Total Disability Benefits
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that a company doctor's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment entitles seafarers to total disability benefits.
Speedy Disposition of Cases: When Delay in Ombudsman Proceedings Becomes Inordinate
The Supreme Court clarifies when delay in Ombudsman investigations violates the constitutional right to speedy disposition of cases.
Finality of Judgment and Lawyer Discipline: Lessons from Bihag v. Era
A disbarred lawyer's attempt to reopen a final judgment fails; Court cites contempt and orders execution.
When Delayed Medical Assessments Translate to Total Disability: Protecting Seafarers' Rights
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when a company-designated physician's failure to issue a timely, final disability assessment converts a seafarer's disability to total and permanent.
When Courts Can Bend Procedural Rules: The Duty to Decide Cases on Time
Philippine courts must decide cases within 90 days. Learn when extensions are allowed and the consequences of delay.
Seafarer Disability Claims: When the Company Doctor's "Fit to Work" Ruling Fails
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a seafarer gets total permanent disability benefits despite a company doctor's fit-to-work certification.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Retroactive Penalty Adjustment Under RA 10951: The Elbanbuena Guidelines
The Supreme Court explains how convicts can seek reduced sentences and possible release under RA 10951, even after final judgment.
RA 10951 Penalty Adjustments Apply Even After Final Judgment: The Elbanbuena Case
The Supreme Court allows reopening final judgments to apply RA 10951's reduced penalties, remanding cases to trial courts for recomputation.