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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Common Carriers and Passenger Safety: Defining the Scope of Liability
The Supreme Court clarifies when a bus company is liable for a passenger's death caused by a co-passenger, distinguishing extraordinary diligence from ordinary care.
Service of Summons on Corporations: Why Strict Compliance Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that service of summons on corporations must strictly follow Rule 14, Section 11; substantial compliance no longer applies.
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.
Negligence in Vehicular Accidents: Proving Fault and Vicarious Liability Under Philippine Law
A look at how courts determine negligence in vehicular accidents, and the vicarious liability of vehicle owners and employers.
Independent Contractor vs Labor-Only Contracting: When the Principal Is Not the Employer
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a contractor is truly independent, shielding the principal from employer liability.
Challenging Fixed Term Contracts Security OF Tenure VS Freedom TO Contract
Seafarer's Right to Disability Benefits When Employer Delays Post-Employment Medical Exam
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies employer duties and seafarer rights in post-employment medical examinations under the POEA-SEC.
Upholding Civil Liability: Death Does Not Erase Debt in B.P. 22 Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that criminal liability for B.P. 22 does not extinguish civil liability, which survives the offender's death.
Breach of Contract of Carriage: When Bad Faith Is Needed for Moral Damages
Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable in breach of contract of carriage cases, requiring bad faith or fraud by the carrier.
Flight Delay Liability: Fortuitous Events and Bad Faith in Breach of Contract
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when airlines are liable for flight delays—fortuitous events and bad faith explained.
When a Carrier's Delay Is a Fortuitous Event: Moral Damages in Breach of Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when moral damages are recoverable for breach of contract of carriage and why a typhoon-caused delay absolved Northwest Airlines.
Dispositive Portion Prevails When DOJ Resolution Body Conflicts With Fallo
When a DOJ resolution's body conflicts with its dispositive portion, the fallo controls. Learn the rule from Santiago v. Bello IV.
B P 22 and Estate Liability Ensuring Debtors Obligations Extend Beyond Death
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on B.P. 22 and estate liability, clarifying that a debtor's obligation survives death and may be enforced against the estate.
Forcible Entry, Heir Substitution, and Judgment Immutability in Property Disputes
When can heirs substitute a deceased party in a forcible entry case? The Supreme Court explains the limits of judgment immutability.
When Airlines Can Escape Liability: Bad Faith and Fortuitous Events in Carriage Contracts
The Supreme Court explains when a typhoon-caused flight delay absolves an airline from moral damages claims under Philippine law.
Injunctions Protecting Rights Upholding Due Process and Ensuring Fair Legal Proceedings
The Supreme Court dismisses a direct challenge to Iloilo City's real property tax ordinance, reaffirming the need to exhaust administrative remedies and observe the hierarchy of courts.
Treachery and Eyewitness Testimony: Conviction for Murder Beyond Reasonable Doubt
How the Supreme Court upheld a murder conviction based on eyewitness identification and treachery, rejecting alibi defenses.
Right to Top in Government Asset Sales: The Osmeña v. PSALM Ruling
Supreme Court clarifies when "right to top" provisions in government lease contracts violate public policy on competitive bidding.
Motion for Reconsideration: When Strict Compliance Is Not Required in Philippine Courts
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a motion for reconsideration before the NLRC may be excused before filing certiorari.
Supreme Court Voids 'Right to Top' Clause in Government Asset Sale: Osmeña v. PSALM
The Supreme Court invalidated a 'right to top' provision in a government land lease, reaffirming that competitive public bidding protects public interest.
Proving Illegal Dismissal: The Employee's Burden of Proof in Philippine Labor Law
In illegal dismissal cases, employees must first prove they were dismissed. The Supreme Court clarifies this burden in Tri-C General Services v. Matuto.
Unjust Enrichment in Lease Agreements When a Burnt Building Doesnt Excuse Rent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on lessee liability for rent after a building on leased land burns down, explained in plain language.
Demurrer to Evidence Dismissal Upheld for Insufficient Proof of Installment Sale and Insurable Interest
A Supreme Court ruling explains how a demurrer to evidence works and why a plaintiff who fails to prove his case can lose even before the defense presents evidence.
Termination Disputes and Choice of Law: Protecting Philippine Labor Rights in Cross-Border Employment
Philippine labor tribunals can hear termination disputes involving foreign employers; Philippine law applies when the worker's duties are performed here.