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.
Project Employees vs Regular Employees: Security of Tenure Under the Labor Code
When is a construction worker a project employee rather than a regular one? The Supreme Court clarifies the rules on tenure and illegal dismissal.
Conflicting Land Titles: DARAB Jurisdiction Over Annulment of CLOA-Based Titles
When land titles conflict, knowing which court has jurisdiction is crucial. The Supreme Court clarifies DARAB's exclusive authority over CLOA-derived titles.
Water District Board Compensation: Per Diems, Additional Benefits, and COA Disallowances
The Supreme Court clarifies that water district directors may receive only per diems under PD 198, with limited exceptions for good faith recipients.
Right of First Refusal Under P.D. No. 1517: Limits on Urban Land Reform Tenant Protection
The Supreme Court clarifies when the right of first refusal under P.D. No. 1517 applies—and when it does not.
Modifying Penalties When Retirement Alters Judicial Discipline
When a judge retires before serving a suspension, the Supreme Court may convert the penalty to a fine. Learn how this works.
Breach of Barangay Settlement: Your Right to Rescind and Sue in Court
When a barangay settlement is breached, Philippine law gives the aggrieved party the right to rescind it and pursue their original claim in court.
Employer-Employee Relationship: The Foundation of Illegal Dismissal Liability
Why labor tribunals must establish employer-employee relationship before ruling on illegal dismissal, and the consequences of failing to do so.
Finality of Judgment: When Labor Decisions Become Unchangeable
Learn when labor case decisions become final and unchangeable, and why courts require clear factual findings before ruling on employer liability.
Extraterritorial Service of Summons: Due Process for Non-Resident Defendants
Philippine courts must strictly comply with rules on extraterritorial service of summons before declaring non-resident defendants in default.
Suspension for Unauthorized Absences: Accountability in the Judiciary
Supreme Court suspends employee for six months and one day for unauthorized absences, underscoring strict accountability standards in the judiciary.
Contractual Obligations Mutuality AND Modification IN Commission Disputes
Learn how the Supreme Court applied the mutuality of contracts principle in a commission dispute, protecting a manager's right to earned franchise fees.
Seafarer Status Contractual Employment AND Security OF TENURE IN Philippine Maritime LAW
The Supreme Court rules that seafarers are contractual employees, not regular employees, even after decades of continuous rehiring.
Voiding Contracts With Indigenous Peoples Prior Approval IS Mandatory
Supreme Court clarifies that contracts with indigenous peoples require prior government approval or they are void, protecting ancestral lands.
Future Inheritance vs Present Rights: Resolving Property Disputes Among Heirs
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on partition inter vivos, future inheritance, and validity of property transfers among heirs.
Prompt Disposition Mandate: Disciplining Judges for Case Delays
The Supreme Court disciplines a judge for undue delay in deciding an ejectment case, underscoring the mandatory nature of the 30-day period under the Revised Rules on Summary Procedure.
Letters of Credit and Attorney-in-Fact Duties: Land Bank's Dual Role Explained
Supreme Court clarifies a bank's limited role under letters of credit versus its fiduciary duties as attorney-in-fact in export collections.
Bouncing Checks Law: Insufficient Funds and the Necessity of Demand
Understand BP 22's rules on insufficient funds, notice of dishonor, and when demand is truly required.
Lawyer Disbarred for Grave Misconduct in Handling Court Funds and Land Titles
Supreme Court disbars a Register of Deeds for grave misconduct, affirming that lawyers in government service face professional discipline for official wrongdoing.
Ejectment Suits MTC Jurisdiction Prevails Despite Ownership Claims
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that MTC retains jurisdiction over ejectment cases even when defendants raise ownership or agrarian reform claims.
When a Lawyer's Inaction Harms a Client's Case: Lessons from Rollon v. Naraval
A lawyer who accepts a case but does nothing—and keeps the client's money—faces suspension. The Supreme Court explains why.
Deputy Ombudsman Impeachment Limits Clarified by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court clarifies that Deputy Ombudsmen are not impeachable officers, settling a long-standing constitutional question.
Lawyer's Neglect of Client's Case Warrants Suspension from Practice
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for three months for gross negligence in failing to file position paper and attend hearings before the Social Security Commission.
Finality of Judgments: Late Docket Fee Payment Dooms Appeal in Meatmasters Case
Learn how late payment of appellate docket fees affects judgment finality, based on the Supreme Court's ruling in Meatmasters v. Lelis.
Abuse of Rights and Uninvited Guests: The Amay Bisaya Damages Case
When does asking a gate-crasher to leave become actionable? The Supreme Court clarifies abuse of rights under Articles 19 and 21.