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.
The Fine Line Between Unpaid Bills and Criminal Fraud Estafa in Restaurant Settings
When does an unpaid restaurant bill become a criminal offense? A Supreme Court ruling clarifies when non-payment crosses into estafa.
Preventive Suspension and Backwages of Local Government Employees Under Investigation
When can a suspended local government employee claim backwages? The Supreme Court clarifies the rule in Plaza v. Court of Appeals.
Philippine Courts Must Honor Foreign Arbitration Clauses Under RA 9285
Philippine courts must respect foreign arbitration clauses. The Supreme Court explains when trial courts should refer disputes to arbitration.
Osteosarcoma Claims: Easing the Burden of Proof for Workers
The Supreme Court ruled that impossible proof requirements for non-occupational diseases like osteosarcoma should not bar compensation claims.
Lawyer's Disrespect Toward Court and Staff Draws Fines Despite Prior Disbarment
Supreme Court fines disbarred lawyer P155,000 for disrespecting court personnel and defying IBP directives, reaffirming lawyer discipline standards.
Good Faith Defense in Anti-Graft Cases for Withholding Employee Benefits
When does withholding salaries become graft? The Supreme Court explains good faith and undue injury under RA 3019.
Voiding Land Deals Fraud AND THE Limits OF Good Faith Acquisition IN Philippine Property LAW
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when writs of execution may be void and the limits of procedural due process in property disputes.
Negligence in a U-Turn Collision: Quasi-Delict Liability Under Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies negligence and vicarious liability in a U-turn collision, applying Articles 2176 and 2180 of the Civil Code.
Tax Credit Certificates: Good Faith Transferees Protected Against Fraudulent Issuance
Supreme Court rules transferees in good faith and for value of tax credit certificates cannot be made to pay taxes again when the certificates are later canceled for fraud.
Security Codes and Promo Prizes: Why 349 Crown Holders Lost in Court
The Supreme Court denied claims of 349 crown holders in the Pepsi number fever promo, ruling that the correct security code was indispensable to win.
Moral Conduct in the Judiciary: Defining Immorality and Due Process for Court Employees
The Supreme Court clarifies when giving birth out of wedlock is immoral conduct for court employees and protects due process rights.
When Appeals Should Not Be Dismissed: Protecting Rights of Appellants With Counsel de Oficio
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Court of Appeals may dismiss an appeal for failure to file a brief, protecting indigent appellants.
Academic Freedom vs Student Rights: Balancing Discipline and Due Process in Higher Education
The Supreme Court balances academic freedom and student rights in De La Salle University v. CA, clarifying due process and CHED jurisdiction.
Detention and Absences: When Prolonged AWOL Is Not Abandonment
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when an employee's prolonged absence due to detention does not constitute abandonment, and the limits of dismissal.
Bank Negligence and Fiduciary Duty in Handling Foreign Currency Deposits
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on bank liability for negligence in handling foreign currency time deposit pretermination and fiduciary duty.
Can a Filipino Lawyer Who Became a Foreign Citizen Still Practice Law? The Dacanay Ruling
The Supreme Court explains when a lawyer who lost Philippine citizenship may resume law practice under RA 9225.
Directors Personally Liable for Unremitted SSS Contributions: The Garcia Doctrine
The Supreme Court holds directors personally liable for collected but unremitted SSS contributions, piercing the corporate veil under the Social Security Law.
Forged Titles and Faulty Foundations: How Errors in Original Land Registration Undermine Property Rights in th
A Supreme Court ruling explains why the date of transcription, not decree issuance, determines a title's validity and priority.
Supreme Court Clarifies Torrens Title Date: Registration Takes Effect on Transcription, Not Decree Issuance
The Court ruled that a Torrens title takes effect only upon transcription by the Register of Deeds, resolving a decades-old land dispute.
Res Judicata and Land Ownership: When Prior Judgments Do Not Bar New Claims
The Supreme Court clarifies when res judicata bars land disputes, protecting property owners from endless litigation.
Trade Secrets vs Discovery: Balancing Business Confidentiality and Legal Rights in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when trade secrets are privileged from compulsory disclosure in civil discovery proceedings.
Protecting Consumers: Illegal Disconnection and Utility Company Liability
Supreme Court ruling on Meralco's liability for illegal disconnection without notice, and the limits of differential billing claims.
Abandonment vs Constructive Dismissal: Protecting Employee Rights in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the fine line between abandonment and constructive dismissal, and what employers must prove to justify termination.
Family Feuds and Corporate Control: Navigating Share Ownership Disputes in Philippine Corporations
The Supreme Court clarifies how Philippine courts resolve family disputes over corporate shares, trusts, and injunctions.