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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Right to Inspect Corporate Books: Protecting Minority Stockholders' Interests in Philippine Corporations
A stockholder's right to inspect corporate books under the Corporation Code, explained through the Supreme Court's ruling in Terelay Investment v. Yulo.
Perfecting Land Titles: Possession Period and Government Classification Requirements
Learn the requirements for judicial confirmation of imperfect title under Philippine law, including possession since June 12, 1945 and land classification rules.
Joint Account Withdrawal Rights: Limits of Authority Among Co-Depositors
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on joint account, meaning either depositor could transact without the other's signature.
Fixed-Term Employment Contracts: When Expiration Is Not Illegal Dismissal
The Supreme Court clarifies when fixed-term employment is valid and its expiration is not illegal dismissal, citing Brent School.
Upholding Drug Convictions: Chain of Custody and Evidence Preservation in Drug Cases
Learn how the Supreme Court upheld a drug conviction by applying the chain of custody rule and substantial compliance under RA 9165.
Mortgage in Good Faith: Upholding Banks' Due Diligence in Real Estate Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when banks qualify as mortgagees in good faith despite defective titles, protecting foreclosures.
Forged Deeds and Ejectment: Protecting Co-Ownership Rights in Family Property Disputes
When a forged deed transfers family property, can the fraudulent titleholder evict co-owner heirs? The Supreme Court says no.
Dividing Assets in Void Marriages: Co-Ownership vs. Conjugal Partnership
The Supreme Court clarifies that property acquired during a void marriage is divided under co-ownership rules, not conjugal partnership.
Piercing the Corporate Veil: Limits of Personal Liability for Corporate Acts in the Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when corporate officers may be held personally liable and why certiorari cannot replace a lost appeal.
Witness Credibility and Treachery Affirming Murder Conviction Despite Eyewitness Limitations
Supreme Court affirms murder conviction, ruling that a lone eyewitness's testimony, despite limitations, suffices to prove guilt and treachery.
Balancing Employee Rights and Workplace Rules When Can Misconduct Justify Dismissal
When does off-duty misconduct justify discipline? The Supreme Court explains the line between conduct unbecoming and conduct prejudicial to service.
Diligent Search Required for Presumptive Death Declarations Under the Family Code
The Supreme Court clarifies the stringent "well-founded belief" standard for declaring a spouse presumptfully dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
When a Quitclaim and Compromise Do Not Bar Later Labor Claims: Dela Rosa Liner
The Supreme Court clarifies when a compromise agreement and quitclaim do not bar a worker's later claims for unpaid wages and benefits.
Bail and the Burden of Proof: Examining Treachery in Murder Cases
When can an accused charged with murder still get bail? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proving treachery.
Citizenship by Naturalization: Balancing National Sovereignty and Refugee Protection
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on naturalization of a refugee, clarifying the "lucrative income" requirement and reciprocity under the Naturalization Law.
Accountability Prevails Public Officials Liable FOR Malversation Despite Technicalities
Declaring a Spouse Presumptively Dead: The High Bar of a "Well-Founded Belief"
The Supreme Court clarifies the stringent standard for declaring a spouse presumptively dead under Article 41 of the Family Code.
When Doubts Linger: Examining Witness Identification and the Unfolding of Justice in Kidnapping Cases
The Supreme Court affirms kidnapping convictions, clarifying the defense of uncontrollable fear and the weight of positive witness identification.
Rape Conviction: Proving Minority and Relationship for Qualified Rape
The Supreme Court clarifies that for qualified rape, the victim's minority and the offender's relationship must be proven beyond reasonable doubt.
Decoding Labor-Only Contracting: Adidas Employee Rights and Responsibilities
The Supreme Court clarifies labor-only contracting rules in Cusap v. Adidas Philippines, explaining employee rights, employer liability, and regularization.
Voluntary Resignation vs Constructive Dismissal: When an Employer's "Graceful Exit" Offer Is Legal
The Supreme Court clarifies when an employer's offer to resign instead of facing investigation is valid, not constructive dismissal.
Seafarers Disability: The 120/240-Day Rule for Permanent and Total Disability Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies the 120/240-day rule on seafarer disability claims and when a fit-to-work certification must be issued.
Upholding Workers Rights Resolving Labor Disputes Despite Prior Agreements
Supreme Court clarifies when unauthorized use of company property justifies dismissal under Philippine labor law.
Bail and Treachery: Reassessing Provisional Liberty in Murder Cases
The Supreme Court clarifies when bail may be granted in murder cases and how treachery must be proven by strong evidence.